About Us​

The Palo Alto "Paly" Speech & Debate Program (PASD) is one of the most successful teams in California, ranked #6 out of 241 high school programs in the state (top 3%) and #29 out of 2,863 in country as of August 2023 by the National Speech & Debate Association. Our membership includes 125+ students and a long line of accomplished, beloved coaches from top schools such as Stanford, UC Berkeley, UPenn, Harvard, and Yale. We offer Congressional Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, Interpretative Speech Events, Lincoln Douglas Debate, Original Oratory, Platform Speech Events, and Public Forum Debate.  Our program is highly respected for its inclusive, supportive, and tightly-knit culture, and has been consistently recognized for excellent league citizenship, winning three District Awards in 2022. Additionally, we run the student-led Palo Alto Speech and Debate Camp, an intensive introduction to speech & debate for middle school students, which sells out every season and has become a model program for many other camps. 

Learn about the events we compete in

#6 / 241 

NSDA rank in California (top 3%) - August 2023

#29 / 2,863

NSDA rank in the United States (top 2%) - August

OUR MISSION

To develop critical thinking, public speaking, and debating skills; to create an inclusive and supportive forensics community; and to promote the values of intellectual inquiry and competitive integrity.

Make a Contribution

Program Director's Note

I'm Kyle, the Program Director of Paly Speech & Debate. There are many reasons to join a speech and debate program, and if they're important to you, then they're important to me, too. It might be cliché, but it's the students who make our program so special. There's an abundance of 'All of The Above Excellence,' in our program, which means that striving for well-rounded, balanced accomplishments is what makes something or someone truly exceptional. It's about learning, change, and growth – and how far we can all go when we act with respect, kindness, and accountability. Speech & debate changes lives, and I'd love to help you explore how it might change yours. 

Culture & Values

Inclusivity & Support

From famous chocolate bar team spirit awards to peer mentorship, we pride ourselves on building a culture that welcomes and celebrates students.  We teach lifelong interpersonal skills and help build emotional intelligence.

Student Leadership

Team Officers, Captains, and Summer Camp directors all come from our student members. We offer many application-based, high-impact opportunities for leadership responsibilities and celebrate entrepreneurial drive & spirit.

'All of The Above' Excellence

Striving for and achieving excellence is integral to our program. We value excellence not only in competitive success, but also in competitive integrity, volunteerism & service, personal development, and mentorship.

Events & Traditions

Annual Banquet

Each spring, the team gathers for an annual banquet, which is organized by students & parent volunteers. Beloved traditions include humorous Captain's Awards, the end-of-year slideshow, and the family potluck dinner. 

The Jennie Savage Award

Given to graduating senior(s) each year in recognition of outstanding leadership & leaving an enduring legacy, the Jennie Savage Award is named in honor of Program Director Emeritus, Jennie Savage, for her legendary 18-year tenure.

Showcase Nights

At least once per season, our students present their speeches and engage in public debate rounds to showcase their thoughtful work and honed skills to parents, families, teachers, teammates, other students, and community members.

In The News

Ethan Boneh '23 wins 2022 National Championship 
'Revered' Program Director Jennie Savage to Retire
Season kicks off with virtual win
After state victory, debaters head to nationals
Claire Chen, one of the most decorated debaters in PAHS history



Speech and Debate teams with strong performances at Milpitas
​Speech and Debate team delivers stellar performances over MLK weekend
Speech and Debate season starts strong
​Speech and Debate team triumphs in January tournaments
Debaters to attend state qualifications tournament
Juniors triumph at debate tournament
Juniors win Lincoln-Douglas debate and Original Prose and Poetry speech competitions
Junior goes undefeated in debate tournament

Our team appreciates the generous financial support of parents & families, which makes it possible for us to offer world-class programming to all students, regardless of socioeconomic status. 

​Contributions are accepted by check made out to "Palo Alto HS," with "Speech & Debate" written on the memo line. Checks may be hand-delivered to Kyle Hietala, Program Director OR mailed to Speech & Debate c/o Palo Alto HS, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301.