Harlingen schools celebrate historic success with four national championships in speech and debate

Harlingen CISD celebrated remarkable achievements in speech and debate during its recent board meeting on January 16, 2025. The district recognized both middle and high school students for their outstanding performances at the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) competitions held in Des Moines, Iowa.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a respectful tone for the evening. The highlight was the recognition of middle school national finalists, where 30 students represented all five middle schools. Notably, Claudia Reyna, Javier Cabella Corona, Adrian Rivera, and Vesper Garza were acknowledged for their impressive placements, with Camilla Warball earning second place in prose interpretation and Lauren Addison Elliott achieving double finalist status in storytelling and spoken word original poetry.

Board members expressed their pride in the students' accomplishments, emphasizing the dedication and hard work required to compete at such a high level. "You are trailblazing for our district," one board member remarked, highlighting the significance of their achievements for future students.

The celebration continued with the recognition of high school students who excelled at the NSDA National Championship. The Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South teams made history by bringing home four national championships and three national finalist titles. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the district, with one coach noting that in 30 years of attending nationals, he had never witnessed such a remarkable performance.

The board meeting underscored the importance of community support, with gratitude extended to coaches, parents, and administrators who contributed to the students' success. The recognition of these young achievers not only celebrates their individual talents but also reflects the strength of the district's speech and debate programs.

As Harlingen CISD looks to the future, the board remains committed to supporting these programs, ensuring that students continue to have opportunities to excel and represent their schools on national stages. The evening concluded with a sense of pride and anticipation for what these talented students will accomplish next.