At this year’s National Catholic Forensics League (NCFL) Qualifiers, on March 7th, 2026, juniors Aven Kilmer, Pragna Obiddi, and Ella Bagchi claimed the top three spots in Original Oratory, earning their way to the Grand National Tournament in Washington, D.C.
The NCFL is one of the nation’s largest high school speech and debate leagues. To qualify for Nationals, students compete in regional tournaments against other schools, where judges watch each round and rank the speakers based on content, organization, and delivery. The top-ranked students across rounds earn spots at the national competition. At the Grand National Tournament, hundreds of students from across the country come together to present their speeches and compete on a national stage.
Original Oratory
In Original Oratory, the event where Shaker swept students, the club took on one of the most demanding challenges in speech and debate. Students choose a topic that matters deeply to them, write and memorize a ten-minute persuasive speech, and spend weeks refining it. Along the way, they revise, practice in front of teammates, and adjust based on feedback. When it’s time to compete, they stand up and deliver it from memory in front of judges, who are listening for both strong ideas and strong delivery. Each speech is different, often reflecting the speaker’s own experiences, perspectives, or issues they care deeply about.
For Pragna Obiddi, the road to Nationals was a months-long journey. “We start by picking a topic that really matters to us,” she said. “Then we write and revise our speech. We present it at local tournaments and get feedback from judges. Our club meetings help too—everyone pitches in to help each other get better.”
Ella Bagchi described preparation as both challenging and rewarding. “We have a lot of fun at our meetings, and tournaments are always exciting,” she said. “Going to Nationals is amazing because you get to hear so many other talented students. It helps you grow as a speaker and as a writer, and you can pass those skills on to the next group of students.”
The Shaker Speech and Debate Club is on the rise
Shaker’s sweep is even more impressive when you consider the club’s recent history. Participation declined sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a temporary setback for what had once been a thriving program. But, in the years since, the club has made a remarkable comeback—growing stronger than ever.
“Shaker Speech and Debate has grown a lot since 2023,” Obiddi said. “The pandemic hit us hard, but now more students are joining, and we have more tournaments than ever.”
Bagchi added that the club’s culture has changed, too. “It’s amazing to see the community bounce back. New events like Impromptu Speaking and Congress were added because so many students wanted to compete,” she said.
Personal Growth and Motivation
The team’s success isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about support, encouragement, and collaboration. “Being part of such an incredible club, and competing alongside talented peers, makes the whole experience empowering,” Obiddi said.
Bagchi agreed. “Having so many national qualifiers this year has inspired everyone. Every win comes from the team’s effort—fundraising, practicing together, or cheering each other on.”
Going to the Grand National Tournament isn’t just about medals—it’s about growth, inspiration, and connection. “It’s amazing to be part of a group of students who are passionate about using their voices to make a difference,” Bagchi said. “Being part of this motivates the whole team and me.”
The achievements of Kilmer, Obiddi, and Bagchi are more than individual victories—they’re proof of how far the Shaker Debate Club has come. What started as a slow recovery after the pandemic has turned into a season full of wins, growth, and inspiration. The team’s success reflects the mentorship and collaboration behind the program, helping students grow as speakers, writers, and critical thinkers—not just competitors.
As the club heads to Washington, D.C., this marks an important milestone in the Shaker Debate club, which was shaped by loads of effort and guidance from Mr. VanDerbeck, as well as resilience and a shared commitment to strengthening their voices.