Chesterfield County Public Schools made a splash Feb. 9-10 when James River High hosted a Virginia district qualifier for the National Speech and Debate Association. There were 22 schools and 186 students from across the state competing to qualify for the national tournament.
Chesterfield schools won these sweepstakes trophies:
- James River High finished second overall for the whole tournament.
- In speech, Cosby High took second overall and James River took third overall.
- In debate, Clover Hill won fourth overall.
These CCPS students qualified (Q) or are an alternate (A) for the national tournament, which will take place in Iowa in June:
- Congressional debate: Abigail R. of James River High (Q); Alexander D. of Cosby High (A)
- Lincoln-Douglas debate: Jax B. of Clover Hill High (Q)
- Dramatic interpretation: Julia H. of Clover Hill High (Q); Reagan G. of Cosby High (Q)
- Duo interpretation: Mary P. and Adelina B. of James River High (Q for the third year); Kezra A. and Majestic H. of Cosby High (Q); Emily A. and Kennedy C. of James River High (A)
- Humorous interpretation: Lilli B. of James River High (Q)
- Informative speaking: Evelyn G. of James River High (Q)
- International extemporaneous speaking: Rowan Milton B. of James River High (Q)
- Original oratory: Kylie S. of Bird High (Q); Matthew W. of Clover Hill High (A)
- Programmed oral interpretation: Ellora H. of Cosby High (Q)
Three CCPS educators serve on the district committee of the National Speech and Debate Association:
- Jessica Sanchez of James River High is the committee chair.
- Jaclyn Clark and William Waddell of Cosby High are committee members.