History
Newton High School's speech and debate program has been going strong for over 70 years. NHS has had an active chapter of the National Forensics League off and on since 1937. The Railers have had many coaches over the years but none as successful and memorable as Alma "Momma" Moore. Newton's annual debate tournament is named after Momma Moore and takes place the second weekend in November.
Classes
Newton offers Novice Debate, Experienced Debate, Forensics and Speech. Newton High School requires a minimum of one half credit of public speaking. This credit can come through any of these classes*. Specific course descriptions here at the Fine Arts page of NHS.
Debate
Policy or cross examination debate is offered only in the fall. Students work in pairs with a partner and must write, research and organize in preparation for academic debate. The topic for 2008-09 is:
2008-2009 Policy Debate Topic
Alternative Energy
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase alternative energy incentives in the United States.
Students must participate in invitational tournaments throughout the fall. First year debaters take Novice Debate and all others take Experienced debate.
Forensics
Forensics takes place in the spring semester only. Students will write speeches for a variety of events as well as perform memorized and non-memorized acting events. Students are required to travel with the team to invitational tournaments
Spring Debate
Spring Debate is offered only in the spring semester and focuses on the debate events as well as extemporaneous speaking. Students must attend tournaments and write and prepare many speeches for a variety of events. *Spring debate does not count as a speech credit toward graduation.
Speech
Speech class focuses on speech organization, outlining and delivering several speeches from memory. Speeches are delivered to the class only. Students write three major speeches similar to research papers but delivered out loud. Speech is offered every semester.
Newton High School
900 West 12th
Newton, KS 67114
