Speech and Debates Return to Kamehameha Schools
January 22, 2022
After two years of not competing in-person with each other, Kamehameha Schools
Speech and Debate acclimates to the “new normal” with continued online competition.
On Nov. 20th and December 11th, the Kamehameha Schools speech and debate team have come
to campus to compete through synchronous online competition considering Covid-19. The
team has won three trophies for their overall competition and percentages of superior
performances at the latest tournaments. For many underclassmen, this is their first time
competing and while it is not back to in-person competition, team members are encouraged to
come to school to compete and experience the comradery together. The call time for
tournaments is at 6:45 am and students are expected to come in full suits, shoes, and ties.
Competitors are allowed to remove their masks when they are in their assigned individual
competition rooms. Other people on the team who are not competing are encouraged to come
and watch the three rounds of competition if they do not disturb the competitor’s performance
and are expected to always keep their mask on unless alone in a room, eating or drinking.
Senior Kaila Labra has been on the team for four years and has been both a competitor and
spectator at the past two tournaments and says “It’s nice to be back in person. While it’s
different, I’m just happy we get some sort of semblance to a real season.” Kapua Reeves, one of
the Speech and Debate team’s coach says, “To be able to have the team safely gather and
participate provides such a greater impact and boost spirits and participation.”
Paris Kekua • Jan 10, 2023 at 9:12 am
I like the concise report about the Speech & Debate Team and I think adding quotes from the members adds to the credibility of the overall report.