NWHS Receives Charter Status by National Speech and Debate Association


The National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) has officially awarded charter status to Northwest High School.

According to the NSDA, schools who place a high academic value on their speech and debate activities, and who “demonstrate increased student confidence, vital critical thinking skill, and students finding their voices with the help of incredible coaching,” are worthy of charter status.

Northwest High School received a plaque representing this honor. They will hold the status for three years before the NSDA evaluates it for renewal.

Northwest's Charter Status Plaque

Northwest coach Marissa Kuiken says that she is “so so so beyond proud to be able to coach this team!” Coach Kuiken and her team want to express gratitude toward their community for all of the support and encouragement that has been given to them.

The team was also recently crowned back-to-back state speech sweepstakes champions at the Iowa Forensic League State Tournament! The team brought home 11 top-five placements, and Grace Fisher was named a state champion in Original Oratory.

Congratulations to the Northwest Speech and Debate team!

Students in the Northwest Speech and Debate Team holding trophies.