Pocatello High School Speech and Debate Team Hosts ‘SPEAK’ Documentary Fundraiser at ISU Bengal Theater
POCATELLO, Idaho — The Pocatello High School National Speech and Debate team’s national qualifiers are hosting a special fundraiser screening of the documentary “SPEAK” on April 22 at the Idaho State University Bengal Theater, with all proceeds going directly toward the team’s trip to the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Richmond, Virginia.
The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the ISU Bengal Theater, offering community members in Bannock County an opportunity to support local student athletes while watching a compelling look at the world of competitive speech and debate.
About the Documentary
“SPEAK” is a documentary that follows five young competitors as they pursue qualification for the National Speech and Debate Association’s national tournament in original oratory — described as one of the most competitive events in the activity. The film captures the full emotional arc of a competitive speech and debate season, chronicling the excitement, joy, and heartache that young competitors experience on their journey toward the national stage.
Original oratory is an event in which students write and deliver their own persuasive or informative speeches, requiring both strong writing ability and refined public speaking skills. Qualifying for the national tournament in such a demanding category is considered a significant academic and competitive achievement.
Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with the Pocatello High School students who have earned their national qualifying spots — giving the community a chance to hear directly from the young competitors about their own experiences and preparation.
Supporting Student Success Through Community Fundraising
Competing at the national level in speech and debate requires not only months of preparation and coaching, but also the financial resources to travel, house, and support student competitors at a tournament held out of state. By hosting this public screening, the Pocatello High School qualifiers are taking an entrepreneurial approach to funding their academic pursuits — relying on community support rather than asking taxpayers to absorb the cost of extracurricular travel.
The National Speech and Debate Association’s national tournament is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the country, drawing thousands of student competitors from across the United States each year. Earning a qualifying bid is a recognition of a student’s skill, dedication, and hard work throughout the competitive season.
Events like this fundraiser also reflect the kind of community investment in student achievement that Pocatello and Bannock County have long been known for. ISU’s Bengal Theater provides a fitting venue — the university has historically served as a hub for educational and cultural events in Southeast Idaho.
April 22 promises to be a busy day in Pocatello. Community members looking to make a full day of local activities may also want to check out Pocatello’s biggest Earth Day celebration, which brings free food, plants, and family-friendly fun to downtown the same day.
For those planning ahead, the community calendar continues to fill up with spring events across Bannock County. Earlier this year, forecasters also raised concerns about regional water supplies — a reminder that East Idaho’s record-warm winter could signal a challenging summer ahead for area residents and agriculture.
What Comes Next
The “SPEAK” documentary fundraiser takes place Tuesday, April 22, at 6 p.m. at the Idaho State University Bengal Theater in Pocatello. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Pocatello High School National Speech and Debate team as they prepare to compete at the National Speech and Debate Association’s national tournament in Richmond, Virginia. A question-and-answer session with the team’s national qualifiers will follow the screening. Community members interested in supporting local student competitors are encouraged to attend.