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LPS debate, speech and theater report strong competition results
Summary
District presenters reported robust participation and competitive outcomes for debate, journalism, one‑act plays and speech, including hundreds of students qualifying for state and national events and new program expansion at select schools.
Sarah Danielson, LPS secondary ELA curriculum specialist, summarized activity‑by‑activity participation and competitive success across debate, journalism, theater and speech.
“Debate is often sort of construed as, just sort of based in argument, but really it's about research, credibility, and case building,” Danielson said, describing the program’s emphasis. She said 109 students attended the initial debate meeting this year, 78 competed in three or more tournaments, more than 55% qualified for state competition and nearly 30% qualified for national competition.
On journalism, Danielson said 34 students attended the NSA Journalism State Competition. For theater, she described one‑act play constraints and reported 108 students in two programs qualified for state competition and more than 700 unique students participated in theatrical productions across the district during 2025–26. On speech, Danielson said 174 students persisted to three or more competitions and 19 qualified for a national tournament.
The board asked whether all high schools offer debate; Danielson said most do (Lincoln, High, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, East) with Northeast adding a program this coming year and Standing Bear and North Star not currently offering debate because of staffing. No board action followed; presenters said staff would provide additional program details on request.
