There is no debating that the Cherry Hill East Speech and Debate Team is a hidden gem in our East community, and it is finally starting to get the recognition that it deserves. This talented team of orators earned several awards at the first New Jersey Speech & Debate League Competition of the 2024-2025 season on October 26, and they are just getting started.
The team was founded in December 2021 by Ananya Balasubramanya (’24) and Grace Yoon (’24) as a Speech Team. Soon after, the group expanded to include a Debate Team in 2022. Over the past four years, the Cherry Hill East Speech and Debate Team has grown from just seven members 4 years ago to around 35 members this year. Recently, the team achieved Charter Status designation by earning 50 “degrees” (points earned through competition in three years), the highest honor in the National Speech and Debate Association.
While the two teams work with advisor, Ms. Vaughn, under the combined name Cherry Hill East Speech and Debate Team, each team has distinct focuses and competition events. There are around 10-12 speech categories, some rehearsed and others extemporaneous, and only two categories of debate: Congressional Debate and Parliamentary Debate.
Aline Tang (’25) and Curtis Lu (’25) have been a part of the Speech Team since the beginning. Tang competes in acting events in the Speech category, and Lu competes in both Speech and Debate events. Being on the Cherry Hill East Speech and Debate Team has helped them enhance their public speaking skills by working with talented students who encourage one another.
“I love speech so much. I love the people, I love the community, I love the support,” said Tang.
The Debate Team meets after school on Wednesdays, while the Speech Team meets after school on Thursdays. Both teams attend about 7-8 competitions per season, from October through March. Competitions are held at high schools and colleges, with the college competitions typically being nationally ranked. As the only high school speech and debate team in South Jersey, the team travels to compete at full-day competitions, usually held in North Jersey.
The Speech and Debate Team provides opportunities for members to enhance their public speaking skills during high school. It is a tight-knit community that fosters a safe environment where everyone can learn and grow without judgment. All the members support each other and practice their speeches in front of the team to get constructive feedback. Ms. Vaughn is thrilled to be able to introduce the world of speech and debate competition to the students and the greater South Jersey community. She is passionate about coaching and loves helping students find their voice on the team.
“It’s so fun to see people grow and to evolve as speakers. It’s such an important skill,” said Ms. Vaughn.
Sydney Herring (’25) and Lu are Co-Captains of the Speech Team this year. They are both excited to be in the position of captain and to give back to a team that has been such a beneficial part of their time at East. Joining the Speech and Debate team pushed Lu out of his comfort zone and helped prepare him for his future.
“I want to provide other people the same sort of experience that I had . . . it positively impacted my life,” said Lu.
After taking Public Speaking as a freshman, Herring decided to join the Speech Team. The final assignment, a tribute speech, significantly impacted her. When she and her classmates got emotional during others’ speeches, she knew she had found a passion and wanted to join the Speech Team.
“I realized how much how you speak can influence the way someone thinks about something,” said Herring.
Playing a role in her teammates’ success and improvement by answering questions and welcoming new members is important to Herring. She credits her involvement with the team for helping her grow as an individual.
“The Speech Team has really helped me find things about myself that I did not know before. So, the fact that I get to help other people just focus on their skills, explore who they are means the world,” said Herring.
For those considering joining the Speech and Debate Team, the club is open to all students; no experience is required to get started. Lu encourages all interested students to attend a meeting to learn if the club would be a good fit for them.
“Even if you don’t think you are good at public speaking . . . . You should just try it,” said Lu.