The official site of the nationally ranked, award-winning Henry W. Grady Speech and Debate Team

January PF Topic:

Resolved: That by 2040, the federal government should mandate that all passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in the United States be powered by alternative fuels.

January/February LD Topic:

Resolved: The United States ought to submit to jurisdiction of an international court designed to prosecute crimes against humanity.

Updated briefs for the PF and LD topics can be found in the “Evidence Storage” link on the right hand side of this page.  You need a username and password.  Don’t know if you have one or how to get one at all?  Email Brandon at brandon@gradyspeaks.org and he will set you up.

...we all we got...!

Congrats to DJ Walker and Hannah Mitchell, both winners of scholarships awarded by The Posse-Atlanta Foundation.   DJ and Hannah have been awarded full-ride scholarships to Boston University and Bard College, respectively.  Congratulations!  We are so proud of you!

Class of ‘09: As you learn of where you are headed to college and/or any scholarships  you receive, be sure and let Mario or Brandon know so we can give you a well-deserved shout-out!

I hope you have caught some of the Grady HS Speech and Debate Team on “CNN Newsroom,” Monday through Friday, 11:00am- 1:00pm on CNN.  We are featured in a six-part series showcasing high school students and their views on issues facing the US and the world.  So far, the two topics have included “Paying for College” and how “Our Generation Will Have to Clean Up This Economic Mess” (I made up those titles, but you get the idea).  Mike Robinson, DJ Walker, John Holland, Stephanie Styles, Ben Power, Taylor Walker, Michael Barlow, Holden Choi and Lauren Scott are featured on the program, and eloquently share their thoughts on current events.  We will keep you updated on future air times.

I realize, as we head into a New Year, I have yet to post the results from the Isidore Newman tournament!  Here ya go:

Mike Robinson and Lucas Bailey- Champions, Public Forum

Hannah Mitchell- 5th place, Oral Interp; Champion, Dramatic Interp

Taylor Walker- 2nd place, Dramatic Interp

Wesley Powell- 5th place, Humorous Interp; tie for 3rd, Dramatic Interp

Matt Ward- 6th place, Dramatic Interp; 3rd place, Humorous Interp

Overall, tied for 3rd place Speech Sweepstakes with Hattiesburg HS, MS.

It was great seeing old friends from around the South.  And to Jay Rye of Montgomery Academy… we look forward to the Birmingham Nationals!

A special thanks to Jim Campbell, Terry Boling, Ramika Gourdine, Matt Johnson, and, of course, Brandon Sheats for going along with us.  It was a GREAT trip!

In between our Po’ Boys and Gumbo, Senior Mike Robinson and Sophomore Lucas Bailey advanced to the final round in Public Forum! They’re competing against Montgomery Academy.