10 debate students were selected to compete in the Rotary Four- Way Test speech competition where they will upload their speeches by Monday with the top 10 then announced on March 28, and finals on April 4 at the ArtCentre of Plano.

“The Rotary Speech is a persuasive speech over a topic that impacts our world,” debate teacher Michelle Porter said. “The students were selected based on their speaking skills shown within the debate class as well as their proven work ethic. The qualities that I was looking for when choosing these students were presentational skills, speaking skills, and grit.”

This competition gives students the opportunity to showcase their oratory skills while delivering their message. 

“I wasn’t expecting Mrs. Porter to choose me at all,” freshman Nidhi Ansuri said. “But it was a pleasant surprise when I got the email. My speech is about Hustle Culture, and I chose this topic because it is something that I have been involved in myself, and have witnessed happen to so many people. I have been working on fully memorizing my speech and internalizing it while also working on my confident voice and hand gestures.”

Competing in the Rotary speech competition in 2025, sophomore Hafsa Mohiuddin is back hoping to repeat as district and state Rotary speech champion. 

“I remember that last year I worked really hard and spent many hours working with my mom, my teacher, and practicing in the mirror over and over again,” Mohiuddin said. “This year gave me an opportunity to talk about glossophobia again as it was also the topic I spoke about last year.  I really like to talk about glossophobia because of how many people struggle and relate with it. As someone who really struggled with it, I like to explain that it’s not something you’re alone with and that many people share the same struggle.”