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Program Director's NoteIf our program advanced an argument, it would be that inclusive excellence is compatible with supportive culture, and that high expectations can co-exist with overall well-being. As the Program Director of the largest extracurricular program at Palo Alto High School, I strive to prove to our community that the trade-offs we’re so often presented–achievement vs. wellness; excellence vs. inclusivity; accountability vs. accessibility–are false dichotomies, failures of an imagination stunted by scarcity rather than amplified by abundance. In Paly Speech & Debate, we view competitive success, inclusivity, and well-being as interdependent. We pride ourselves on being a top-ranked, championship-winning program, but we reject the transactional disposition that the ends justify the means. Upholding our program’s values and prioritizing our students’ well-being come first, (especially if it means wearing an inflatable shark suit to make our parties more fun!).
– Kyle Hietala, Program Director & Head Coach |
Foundations of Well-Being
Many students tell themselves, "I can take it," or "I'll catch up eventually." Many adults, including the leaders of this program, recognize the same overachiever-perfectionist instinct in ourselves. Although we can suffer through overwhelming stretches, we shouldn’t have to–and we want our program’s experience to be fundamentally humane for our students, coaches, and families.
- Permission to Pause: Regardless of their age, competitive level, or leadership roles, students have standing support from their coaches to slow down, step back, or take a break. This does not require a crisis or an explanation, and pausing does not forfeit one’s place in our program.
- Want to Be Here: We oppose forcing a student to do Speech & Debate. In a school with 100+ extracurricular offerings, your activities should make your day-to-day life better—not just look good on an application. As a student, it is both your right and responsibility to choose your activities.
- Students are Kids: Unlike many ‘student-led’ programs, the most stressful responsibilities and high-stakes decisions are in the hands of adult leaders–by design. Play, learning, and growth are student priorities–not program management, administration, and problem solving.
As a public school program, we welcome all students committed to being kind, respectful contributors. We are unabashedly proud of our no-tryouts, no-cuts entry policy, and we operate from a mindset of abundance, not scarcity. Our program’s leaders relentlessly work to expand resources to make participation easier.
- Minimal Barriers: There are no tryouts and no cuts in our program. Students are never denied membership due to a lack of prior experience or skill. We fund 100% of registration fees to make tournament participation accessible.
- Radical Support: All students have 1-1 access to the Program Director, Assistant Director, and Coaching Staff for mentorship. In partnership with our Parent Boosters, School Administration, Wellness Department, Special Education, and other divisions, we can provide exceptional financial, medical, and educational accommodations to ensure you belong here.
- Accountability: Our program’s ability to make meaningful investments in students—through coaching, resources, and opportunities—is possible only because we remain a high-functioning, high-performing organization with a positive culture. In turn, we ask a lot from everyone involved: our students, their families, and our coaching staff.
Perspective > Obsession
Speech and Debate is inescapably evaluative, and it is easy to become "locked-in" or "laser-focused" on the wrong goals. We coach our students to separate their results from their identity. Ballots and rankings are imperfect snapshots of performance, not mirrors of your enduring character.
- Semicolons, Not Periods: In our program, setbacks and accomplishments are pauses rather than conclusions—more like "rests" than doublebars. We view learning and growth as a continuous, endless process.
- Reframing: As seasons end, we move beyond asking "where did we finish?" to ask "where am I now?" and "how am I doing?" We want you to realize that the excitement of winning and the disappointment of losing are both fleeting feelings.
- Kindness & Respect: Kindness and respect are non-negotiable. Our aim is for you to achieve at the highest levels because you are supported, included, and well. All of us play a part in sustaining a culture of belonging.
I used to cringe at people who say they love an activity "for the community". However, debate is one of few extracurriculars where I feel genuinely cherished as a human being. I've had tournaments were I've lost all rounds and others when I won all. I noticed that the way I was treated didn't depend on my successes or failures. My teammates answered my 2 A.M. distress calls, comforted me when I was down, and celebrated my successes like their own. Whenever I'm demoralized after a chemistry test, a stressful day at school, or sad for no reason – miraculously debate brings a smile to my face. I know that I could come to any of my directors, coaches, or team captains and they'd be there for me. Even today, I could still call alumni if I were in their new cities and know I would have someone pick me up from the airport with a welcome hug and a place to stay. We don’t select the best of the best and then take credit for their achievements. Instead, we shape each individual through love, support, and countless late nights spent improving together." |
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If you have a serious and immediate safety concern regarding a student (yourself or a friend), please call 988, 911, or PAPD at 650-329-2413.
If your concern needs immediate mental health attention, support is also available by contacting one of the hotlines listed below.
National Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 988
Crisis Text Line - free 24/7 support for people in crisis: text "HOME" to 741741
If your concern needs immediate mental health attention, support is also available by contacting one of the hotlines listed below.
National Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 988
Crisis Text Line - free 24/7 support for people in crisis: text "HOME" to 741741