Omega Speech and Debate (OSD), a public speaking and debate academy established in 2020 by then-high school freshman and now Harvard College student Matthew Zhang, is celebrating the remarkable achievements of its students at the 2024 Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament. The tournament was held from February 17th to 19th. Known for its rigorous competition, the tournament attracted over 5,000 competitors from more than 470 educational institutions around the world.
A Journey of Dedication and Triumph
The journey to success for the OSD 2024 Winter Travel Debate Team began in early January. The team, composed of 24 students in 12 partnerships for Public Forum Debate, included many students who were introduced to debate at the OSD 2023 summer camp. Their rapid growth from beginners to accomplished debaters is a clear reflection of their diligence and intelligence, as well as the high-quality mentorship that they received.
The six-week intensive training program led to an outstanding performance at the Harvard Tournament, with 8 of the 12 OSD teams advancing to the elimination rounds as part of the top 64 competitors. This 67% advancement rate far exceeded the average 30% advancement rate of other academies, placing OSD at the forefront of educational institutions at the event for two consecutive years. Notably, eight students from Livingston Public Schools advanced this year.
Steadfast Coaching and Support
The success of OSD's students is deeply rooted in the dedicated guidance of their coaches. These coaches attend Ivy League colleges and were nationally top-ranked debaters during their high school careers (https://omegaspeechdebate.org/our-team/). Their unwavering support and expertise were pivotal in refining the students' debate strategies, enhancing their research capabilities, and polishing their argumentation skills.
Beyond the Competition
The Harvard Tournament was more than a competition; it was a comprehensive educational journey. OSD students engaged in intensive training sessions throughout the weekend where coaches debriefed their previous rounds and prepared them to win their next rounds. This immersive educational experience fostered a strong community spirit and a deep passion for debate among the students, facilitating their rapid growth and development.
Looking Ahead: Spring and Summer Opportunities
OSD is excited to introduce beginners to Public Forum Debate with its 2024 Spring Class, running from March 17th to May 12th. The program aims to equip beginners with fundamental argumentation skills through lectures, interactive exercises, and practice rounds. More information about this program can be found here: https://omegaspeechdebate.org/2024-spring-class/
Additionally, the OSD 2024 Spring Travel Team offers more experienced debaters the chance to compete in prestigious national tournaments. More information about their travel team can be found here: https://omegaspeechdebate.org/travelteam/
Looking further ahead, OSD's 2024 Summer Camp aims to continue nurturing future debate champions. Please refer to their website (https://omegaspeechdebate.org/2024-summer-camp/) for more information about their summer camp.
The unwavering support and belief in OSD's mission from the community drove the academy to new heights. Together, they are not just competing but also building an enduring legacy of excellence in speech and debate.