Speech and Debate is a competitive activity that teaches students communication and critical thinking skills they will use in every stage of their lives. Through speaking, debating, and acting, they build confidence and expand their understanding of the world around them. With a variety of team and individual competition options, students can choose their own adventure and explore the events that appeal to them.
CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE: HOUSE
3RD PLACE: Rhys Adams [Milton Academy]
BIG QUESTIONS DEBATE
NATIONAL CHAMPION: Talia Askenazi [Arlington High School]
SEMI FINALIST: Noah Arthur [Concord Carlisle High School]
SEMI FINALIST: Spencer Caraman [Arlington High School]
INTERNATIONAL EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING
NATIONAL CHAMPION: Anthony Babu [Concord Carlisle High School]
Current District Level: 3 (Nats 2025)
Current Active Schools: 40 (of 40)
Current Active Charters: 19 (of 24)
New Members: 335 (of 400)
New Degrees: 1024 (0f 1400)
Projected District Level: 3 (Nats 2026)
A district that meets any single minimum district standard in the previous school year is determined a Level 3 District, and allowed 3 entries to the National Tournament. Level 3 Districts have met one of the following criteria:
24 or more Charter Chapters with paid membership in the previous school year.
40 or more chapters of any type with Active Schools in the previous school year.
400 or more New Student Members as a district in the previous school year.
This was New England's qualifying criteria for the current school year!
1400 or more New Degrees from schools with paid membership during the previous school year.
Nationals 2026: New England has qualified as Level 3 for the 2026 National Tournament!
Your New England NSDA District Committee is here to serve our members navigate the district tournaments, as well as the NSDA National Tournament with ease. We want to help grow our district, build it's strength, and support our students, coaches and judges in any way we can.
If we can help your team, please reach out to us at NewEnglandNSDA@gmail.com.
We look forward to working with you this season on our journey to #Nats2025!
Scott Caron, Chair
Milton Academy
Josh
Cohen
Newton South HS
Sheryl Kaczmarek
Lexington HS
Amanda Parker
Natick HS
Pam Sheldon
Bancroft School
Paul (PJ) Wexler
Needham HS