Sunset’s winning Speech & Debate team
After learning that the Sunset High Speech and Debate Team won the Oregon State competition for the second year in a row, we wanted to find out more, so we sent questions to Macie Mackey, Sunset Speech and Debate Head Coach.
How many students are currently in the program? Is this an average year?
This season we had 119 registered students. In my first year there were 66. Sunset Speech and Debate started in 1959 and joined National in 1990.
How do they sign up? Is there an interview or any other test or can anyone get involved?
We are a no-cut Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) activity. Returning students submit a registration packet. New students join after the fall club fair. We meet weekly throughout the school year. The Oregon Circuit offers 18 events: five debate and 13 speech, including Oratory, Humorous Interpretation, Impromptu Speaking, and Radio commentary. I highly recommend exploring the details about each event found in the OSAA Speech Handbook.
Is it a credit class or an activity?
Speech is not an activity for credit. Students have the opportunity to earn a Varsity Letter and an Honor Cord.
Are students encouraged to do all activities, or can they specialize?
First year novices are encouraged to try as many events as possible. Open competitors often compete in up to one debate and two speech events per tournament. However; not every student or school program looks the same.
Can parents or community members help with practices? If so, how to get involved?
Parents and community members are welcome to volunteer. Opportunities include volunteering at Sunset when we host tournaments, and judging. A prerequisite is applying in RAPTOR, the screening program for school visitors.
I saw that you have a bottle/can recycling fundraiser. Are there other ways you get funds? Is there a budget from BSD? Can the community support with donations?
Speech is self-funded. We need funds for tournament registration, transportation, and other costs. Tax deductible donations are greatly appreciated. Community members that work for companies that offer Benevity can donate their volunteer hours by directing funds to Sunset High School Speech and Debate. The Bottle Drop collection is held on the second Wednesday during the school year. We also fundraise by call-a-thons, stadium clean ups, and hosting tournaments.
Please share a little bit about the experience of going to State this year.
I am so proud of the team. Sunset is back-to-back OSAA 6A State Champions (2025-26). It is very humbling to look back to my first season in 2017 when the team came in last place.
I am truly blessed to work with such dedicated and motivated students that excel in a highly competitive environment. We qualify many Academic-All-Americans on an annual basis. Fun fact, 2025 was the 150th Anniversary of National Speech and Debate.
You can get in touch next fall if you have questions or want to learn more by emailing macie_mackey@beaverton.k12.or.us or sunsetspeech@gmail.com, or DM us on Instagram @sunsetspeech.
