In the heart of Rapid City, South Dakota, at Stevens High School, there’s a team that thrives on argumentation, research, and the power of words—the Speech and Debate team. But this is more than a club; it’s a family where both students and coaches learn, grow, and achieve together.
For Charalet Vanderwall-Dunnigan, coaching wasn’t part of her original plan. It began in 2016 as a way to support her son with autism, but it quickly became her calling. Through innovative strategies like “talking to the wall” to build confidence and using a pencil under the tongue to improve articulation, she has transformed nervous freshmen into confident seniors. “When these kids come back as seniors, it’s like, ‘I remember what you were like as a freshman, and now you’re a rock star,’” she says, her voice tinged with pride.
Sean Bradley, an English teacher and first-year assistant coach, joined the team out of his love for civil discourse and critical thinking. He treasures moments of growth, like seeing a student who struggled to medal one year claim first place the next. “Debate is about understanding both sides of an issue,” he explains. “It’s a constant exercise in preparation and adaptability.” For him, coaching is not just about competition—it’s about building bonds during long bus rides, shared meals, and life lessons outside the classroom.
Retired military member and substitute teacher, Ryand Harris became a coach to nurture his passion for logic and research. His advice to his students is simple but profound: “Debate isn’t about emotion. It’s about logic, research, and facts.” He encourages them to seek out challenges, knowing that growth often comes from competing against tougher opponents. Watching his students transform into leaders is his ultimate reward.
Among the team’s standout members is Olivia Boerger, ranked fifth in the nation and the first Stevens student to qualify for nationals all four years of high school. Her dedication and talent are an inspiration to her peers.
Others, like Dylan Tipton, joined on a whim, not knowing it would change their lives. Dylan recalls the thrill of qualifying for nationals as a freshman: “It was the first time I worked hard for a long-term goal, and achieving it showed me I could go beyond small-town challenges.”
For Emerson Buchholz, her journey began with a mix-up at her first tournament. When she was mistakenly placed in varsity, she had to make a choice: panic or adapt. She chose the latter, crafting a new case in just 30 minutes and competing in varsity. The experience, though terrifying, pushed her limits. “It taught me resilience,” she says. Now a junior, Emerson’s proudest moments come from winning rounds at major competitions, proof of her dedication and hard work.
Senior and Congress-style debate specialist Blixa Broussard finds joy in balancing humor and seriousness. Performing a humor piece in front of 200 people at the state competition remains one of his favorite memories. “The feedback from such a large audience was incredible,” he recalls. Debate also taught him practical skills, like organizing information and sifting through hundreds of sources for reliable data.
For Hendrix Jones, a freshman, joining the team was about scholarships and self-improvement. His early struggles with confidence have taught him an invaluable lesson: “If you doubt yourself, you probably aren’t going to do well. Confidence matters.” Similarly, Mason Schumacher, a junior in his first year, credits the team with helping him overcome stage fright. From mumbling to making eye contact, debate has given him a voice. Winning a tournament with a last-minute group performance was a defining moment for him, one he describes as “surreal.”
Together, the students and coaches of Stevens High School’s Speech and Debate team create an environment that fosters growth, resilience, and success. Whether it’s a coach seeing their efforts reflected in the achievements of their students or a team member learning to speak with confidence, every moment is a testament to the power of words—and the people who wield them.
