NSDA National Tournament

GlenOak Speech and Debate Team Shines at NSDA National Tournament

From June 14–21, the GlenOak Speech and Debate team traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament, one of the largest academic competitions in the country. This prestigious event brought together thousands of students from across the United States to showcase their skills, share ideas, and compete for national recognition.

Our delegation of nine talented students demonstrated remarkable dedication, poise, and skill throughout the week-long competition:

Students Who Represented GlenOak:

• Danielle Stanley

• Lucy Shaheen

• Conner Belden

• Charlie Burton

• Johari Abdul-Zahir

• Cory Hillton

• Valicia Peterman

• Josh Jacob

• Jekhia Ballard

Outstanding Achievements:

• Main Event Octafinalists: Conner Belden, Cory Hillton, and Valicia Peterman advanced to the Main Event Octafinals in their respective categories, placing them among the Top 60 competitors in the nation—a tremendous accomplishment that highlights their hard work and talent.

• World Schools Debate: Danielle Stanley and Lucy Shaheen competed on the Eastern Ohio World Schools Debate teams, joining forces with students from other schools in our region. Lucy’s team, Eastern Ohio Red, finished 38th in the nation, and Danielle’s team, Eastern Ohio Blue, placed 40th—both excellent finishes against elite competition.

• Original Spoken Word Poetry: Jekhia Ballard advanced to the Octafinals, and Johari Abdul-Zahir reached the Quarterfinals, showcasing their creativity and powerful voices on a national stage.

Beyond competition rounds, our students embraced the opportunity to grow as leaders and teammates. They explored downtown Des Moines, enjoyed delicious local restaurants, and even tested their problem-solving skills by successfully completing an escape room together. In between rounds, they watched final performances from some of the nation’s most accomplished speakers and debaters, learning and finding inspiration for the seasons ahead.

Speech and debate teach critical thinking, confidence, and collaboration, and this trip exemplified all three. We are incredibly proud of our team for representing GlenOak with excellence, grace, and Golden Eagle spirit.

Congratulations to all participants on a fantastic season and a truly unforgettable national experience!