RAPID CITY, S.D. – Nine students from Stevens High School have secured spots to compete at the national Speech and Debate tournament in Richmond, Virginia, scheduled for June 13-20.
The qualification comes after a demanding season where the team participated in 14 different one- and two-day tournaments, two state competitions and three national qualifier events.
The cost for the trip is expected to exceed $15,000, covering air travel, lodging, local transportation, meals and tournament fees. To cover these expenses, the team has scheduled several fundraisers throughout Rapid City.
“These students are some of the most hard-working, most dedicated young people the Rapid City School District has to offer,” said Sean Bradley, assistant speech and debate coach. “We couldn’t be more proud of all these students have accomplished. We want to make sure they have the chance to represent Stevens High School, the Rapid City Area Schools District, and South Dakota on the national stage.”
Scheduled fundraisers include:
- Saturday, May 9: Bingo Night at the Moose Lodge, 5 p.m.
- Thursday, May 14: Blaze Pizza on Jackson Boulevard, 4-8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 16: Car wash at Family Fare in Baken Park, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Sunday, May 17: Bake sale at Ace Hardware, 12-4 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 2: Blaze Pizza on Jackson Boulevard, 4-8 p.m.
- Saturday, June 6: Car wash at Family Fare in Baken Park, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Community members who cannot attend the events but wish to donate may do so through the team’s Bound Fundraising site.
For additional information, contact Sean Bradley, assistant speech and debate coach. Sean.Bradley@k12.sd.us
