In the Coachella Valley, a group of twelve migrant students is getting ready to compete in one of California's most anticipated academic events: the annual debate and speech tournament. These students, representing the Coachella Valley School District, are preparing to face off against hundreds of their peers in Monterey Bay from May 2nd to 4th. The tournament is not just an academic competition—it’s a platform for these young scholars to refine their communication skills and engage in discussions on meaningful topics, some of which adults often shy away from.

The students have been practicing tirelessly, discussing and researching various subjects such as the impact of sports on mental wellness and how video games influence children’s behavior. Among the participants is 8th grader Ruby Valdez, who says the program has given her a chance to express herself confidently. "I've always been told that I'm a very talkative person, so I wanted to give it a try," Ruby shares. "I ended up liking it a lot."

For 11th grader Jonas Duarte, the tournament serves a deeper purpose. "The first topic I'll be discussing is sports and how they affect mental and physical wellness, and my second will be about video games and how they affect kids' behavior," he explains. As an aspiring businessman, Jonas also sees the debate team as an opportunity to sharpen his communication and persuasion skills, which he believes will be essential for his future career.

Coaches Jose Alvarez and Nereida Montez, both former migrant students themselves, lead the team. They understand the power of this program, not just for academic success but for the social and professional growth it encourages. "I see how this helps them not just academically, but socially, and also to prepare them for the real world," said coach Montez.

With only weeks to go before the big event, the students are dedicating themselves to perfecting their speeches and arguments. They are excited to compete against teams from 15 other regions across California, hoping to bring home a victory. For these migrant students, this tournament is a chance to demonstrate their passion, dedication, and growth through the power of words.

NBC Palm Springs wishes them the best of luck as they prepare to represent the Coachella Valley at this prestigious event.

Coachella Valley Migrant Students Gear Up for Statewide Debate Tournament