In a world where high school Speech and Debate tournament’s have long been the turf of older students, one exceptional eighth grader broke down barrier’s this past season. The 2024 National Speech and Debate Tournament took place from June 16–21, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa. The tournament was hosted by Johnston High School and had 6,700 students from 1,500 schools in attendance. Not only did she qualify for that national tournament, but she also secured an impressive third place in Poetry Interpretation [POI]. Now a freshman at Hoover High School, Rowan Billker [pictured, right] reflects on her groundbreaking journey, aspirations for the future, and the inspiration that fuels her passion. However, that passion grew over time.

“I was not too interested in the beginning, but I am so glad she pushed me,” she said, highlighting the pivotal role her mother played in igniting her love for speech. “I am motivated because I think that I can inspire those younger than me.”

Her journey has been shaped mentors, especially her Speech and Debate coach, Hoover English teacher Ms. Missy Stertzbach [pictured center with Billker] and student coaches, seniors Lia Pendergrass and Sydni Wyant. Their support has not only strengthened her skills but also provided a support system that she credits for her success.

“[They] are some of my biggest inspirations,” Billker said. “They have been coaching me for two years and have become more like big sisters to me, and I would not at all be the speaker I am today without them.”

Choosing to pursue POI was a deliberate decision. This choice reflects her deep compassion and devotion to making a difference within her category’s community.

“I chose POI because it is one of the only interpretive options for middle school speech and debate, and I wanted to be able to act and feel and make people feel,” she said. “That is what makes POI so moving, because you see the same topic from so many different perspectives.”

Looking ahead, she remains focused on Speech.

“I do plan to move on with POI this season, but I am also starting Drama,” she said, indicating her desire to explore new events. “I would love to return to that stage at least once over the next four years, and I am willing to work hard for it.”

However, the path to success is not without its challenges. With a demanding schedule that includes hours of practice and all-day competitions nearly every Saturday, she acknowledges the commitment required.

“It is such a blessing,” Billker said, emphasizing the supportive community. “It’s a family and an outlet. There are so many different ways to participate in Speech and Debate, and I could not recommend it more.”

When asked about her most memorable moments, her humility shines through.

“Watching my friends succeed — my success may feel good, but nothing compares to getting to watch someone who has been a mentor and inspiration to you get something that they fully deserve,” Billker said.

However, she also treasures her own accomplishments.

“Being told by the best of the best that you are third in the nation in something that you have spent so much time, tears, and sweat on is so humbling and genuinely made me so thankful to have been given the opportunity to compete,” she said.

Stertzbach spoke about Billker’s potential as a competitor. “I think as she starts, the sky’s the limit,” she said. “She was so successful in her middle school career, so she’s already coming in with tons and tons of experience, and I think that
will provide her the opportunity to go very far.”

This foundation gives her a unique edge as she continues on her Speech journey in high school.

“I would hope that she would again this year,” Stertzbach said. “It is very difficult to qualify for nationals, whether it’s this year or another point in her high school career. I do think she has the potential to, hopefully this year, if not in years to come for sure. She just worked really hard and deserved everything that she got, and I’m just really proud of her. It has to be a very special honor in order to take middle school to nationals. I did talk to her parents prior to making sure they were on board. I always want middle schoolers to have at least one parent present, which is vastly different from high school.”

Mr. Shawn Billker, who teaches AP American History and American History at Hoover, spoke about his daughter’s journey.

“It’s awesome to see,” he said. “We really don’t do much more than just listen; all we can do is just offer those words of encouragement. We always say go out, do your best, that’s all you can do. At the end of the day, hopefully it works out for her. She does an excellent job bringing that speech to life, with her breath and body language. The way we contribute is just as an audience; she is very open to input and changes, or what emphasis she should put and where, things like that. It’s a real joy to watch her not only progress but to see her start to finish and the improvements and putting her own personal touch on everything.”

Billker’s success this summer truly impacted her entire family.

“To see her make that final three was really cool,” Mr. Billker said. “I’m a proud dad to say the least. Even if she never went to nationals, I love seeing my kid pursue whatever their interests and passions are, regardless of the outcome.”