Claremont High School's Speech and Debate team has closed out an extraordinary season with national recognition and state-level triumphs that reflect the program's strength, depth, and spirit. Most recently, the team competed at the National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, earning a Debate School of Excellence award. This honor places Claremont among the top 20 debate programs in the country.
Senior Lincoln Roston led the team with an impressive fifth-place finish in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, while Claremont's second Lincoln-Douglas entry, Public Forum team, World Schools team and Senate representative all advanced into late elimination rounds. These achievements capped a season filled with standout performances, including senior Isabelle Shie's first-place finish at the California High School Speech Association State Championship in Informative Speaking. Her thoughtful, myth-busting talk on MSG earned top marks for structure, originality, and clarity, marking the school's first individual state title in recent memory.
With guidance from head coach Dave Chamberlain, the team has built a culture rooted in curiosity, preparation, and student voice. Whether in local classrooms or national arenas, Claremont's speech and debate students continue to make their mark through confidence, research, and powerful storytelling. Congratulations to the entire team for an unforgettable year of excellence.