Two FSD Schools Capture National Speech & Debate Championship Title

Fullerton School District students once again proved they can compete with the best in the nation, bringing home two national championship titles from the 2026 National Speech & Debate Association National Championship, held June 14-19 in Richmond, Virginia.

Parks Junior High School and Fisler School were named Schools of Excellence, the highest honor a middle school can achieve at the prestigious tournament, which drew approximately 7,000 students from across the nation and around the world.

This marks the eighth year FSD students have competed at the national championship and the seventh consecutive year an FSD school has earned a national title, cementing Fullerton School District’s standing as a premier middle school speech and debate program.

"Our students' success reflects not only their talent and hard work, but also the supportive culture they've built together," said Emily McDougall, Director of Educational Services who oversees the program. "Speech and Debate gives students the opportunity to find their voice, build confidence, and compete alongside some of the best students in the world, and we’re so proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

Representing FSD were 23 students from Beechwood and Fisler Schools and Ladera Vista, Nicolas and Parks Junior High Schools, competing in events ranging from storytelling and humorous interpretation to poetry and informative speaking. Ravenna G. of Fisler School and Hailey H. of Parks Junior High also advanced to the championship finals.

The program's continued success across its 20 campuses reflects the District's commitment to providing rigorous academic opportunities that help students develop confidence, critical thinking, leadership and communication skills for lifelong success.