We are the Jesters — The Midtown Jesters

We are the Midtown High School Speech and Debate Team

Speech and debate teaches students how to formulate a persuasive argument, develop and advocate a particular point of view, deal with failure and embarrassment, and more. And it is all done in a supportive and diverse environment.

Our team spends our weeks practicing and our weekends traveling around the Atlanta area and beyond. As a thirteen-time State Champion Speech and Debate Team, our success has led to even more travel opportunities throughout the United States. Between travel costs and tournament fees, Speech and Debate can be a very costly extracurricular activity. Our success relies heavily on donations and fundraising throughout the year.

Why we are called the “Jesters.”

Keeping in line with the school mascot of “Knight,” the court jester, the jester was found to be a voice that could speak truth to power at a time when speaking such truth could land one in the stockades. The jester enjoyed a “freedom from all constraint” in communications and commentary that often indicted power, vanity and ridiculousness. The jester had a seat at the table with those in power and reminded them about them about the value of humility and understanding.