In 2007, JCHS launched its competitive speech and debate program with more than a quarter of the student body participating. Students compete state-wide in a variety of events that promote interscholastic competition and the development of lifelong skills. Individual events include Impromptu, Extemporaneous, Expository, Oratory, Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, Poetry, and Prose. Debate events include Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, and Policy Debate. JCHS is an active member of the National Forensics League, the honor society for speech and debate.

The 2008-2009 speech and debate team members include Andrea Bodale, Danyel Chleborad, Joel Eblin, Amy Marek, Meaghan McGill, Sara Porter, Sabrina Summers, and Mikaela Witherspoon. The team is coached by Jody Cecil (jcecil@joyonline.org).