Loveland High's Caleb Waldron Wins National Championship in Speech and Debate

The Thompson School District R-2J held its Board of Education Regular Meeting on August 20, 2025, marking the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The meeting featured several key discussions, including updates on staff preparations, student engagement activities, and notable achievements within the district.

Superintendent Dr. Heller opened the meeting by expressing excitement for the return of students and highlighting the extensive professional development activities organized for staff. These included a red carpet ceremony at Mountain View High School and a district-wide event at Ray Patterson Stadium, aimed at helping educators settle in for the new school year. Dr. Heller encouraged the community to follow the district's social media accounts to view the vibrant activities taking place in schools during the opening days.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the recognition of Namcoil Elementary School, which has been honored as one of America's healthiest schools for the third consecutive year. The school received the 2025 All-Star Award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for excelling in all nine areas of school health, making it the only school in Colorado to achieve this distinction.

Additionally, Loveland High School junior Caleb Waldron was celebrated for winning the national championship in speech and debate, specifically in the big questions category. Dr. Heller praised Caleb's achievement as a historic moment for Loveland High School, noting that he is the first student from the school to win a national title in this field. Caleb shared his experience at the national competition, emphasizing the mentorship he received and the connections he made with peers from across the country.

The meeting concluded with a photo opportunity for Caleb and his coach, further underscoring the district's commitment to celebrating student accomplishments. As the school year progresses, the district looks forward to more community engagement events and continued support for its students and staff.