Welcome to the Sweetheart Classic

Welcome to the Sweetheart Classic, hosted by the River Valley Speech & Debate League.

The RVSDL was created with a simple purpose: to give students a voice and to help them refine their ability to persuade others about things that genuinely matter to them. At its core, speech and debate is not about trophies or records. It is about learning how to think critically, communicate clearly, and advocate thoughtfully in a world that needs informed, articulate voices.

From its beginning, the RVSDL has focused on accessibility, growth, and meaningful competition. Our tournaments are designed to be places where students can take risks, learn from feedback, and develop confidence in their ideas, their words, and themselves.

The Sweetheart Classic is an extension of that mission.

This tournament is about speaking from the heart—about choosing topics, arguments, stories, and performances that matter personally to the student delivering them. Whether a competitor is persuading an audience, interpreting a piece, or explaining an idea, we value preparation, intention, and ownership of the message.

We encourage students to:

• Care about what they are saying

• Prepare deeply so they can speak with confidence

• Communicate with clarity, sincerity, and respect for their audience

Judges are asked to reward speakers who demonstrate thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and genuine engagement with their material.

As league and state championships approach, the Sweetheart Classic serves as a reminder that the strongest performances are not just polished—they are personal. When students know their material, believe in their message, and care about their work, their voices carry further.

Thank you for being part of a league that values growth, reflection, and the power of student voice. We’re glad you’re here, and we look forward to a day of meaningful rounds, strong feedback, and authentic communication.