Debate
Faculty Advisor:
Tim Hayes
timothy.hayes@spps.org
Debate offers Highland students the ability to develop their research and public speaking skills and to explore their passion for social justice in an academically rigorous, competitive forum. Students are offered the unique opportunity to showcase these skills at tournaments throughout the state, as well as throughout the nation. This provides the opportunity for interactions between students from an array of academic backgrounds and networks. Highland offers Policy format debate through the Urban Debate League (UDL), which provides students with a broad topic to research over the course of the season. Whether students are interested in politics or philosophy; whether they prefer working alone or with a partner, the debate team at Highland provides many opportunities for success for all students.
Topic for 2025-26, selected by the National Federation of State High School Associations:
Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.
Practices Monday and Wednesday at 3:15 in room 2220.
Email timothy.hayes@spps.org for more information.
Required Meets 2025-26:
MNUDL Jamboree @ Highland Park HS 9/27
The Roosevelt Cup @ Roosevelt HS 10/10 & 11
The Washburn Breadbowl @ Washburn HS 10/24 & 25
Tamar Kaplan Invitational @ Central HS 11/7 & 8
UMBrooks Invitational @ UMN West Bank. 11/21 & 22
MNUDL City Championships @ Washington Technology Magnet School 12/12 & 13
MSHSL Sections @ Eagan HS 1/16 & 17
MSHSL State Tournament @ UMN West Bank 1/23 & 24
In addition to the core tournaments, other tournaments could be added.