In March 1980, the Wheeling Park High School Speech and Debate team won its first state championship. Fast-forward to today, and the team has officially won its 45th consecutive state championship. The team’s long-standing streak is an impressive part of Wheeling Park’s history. Members of the team, both present and past, take extreme pride in being a part of this legacy.
“Because Mr. Cornforth and I have remained friends for 40 years, I have always been kept aware of how the team was doing. I am so proud that Park continues to value and support everything it takes to help the students hone their work, travel, and compete and keep that reputation of excellence upheld!” said Speech and Debate team alum Michelle Duffy.
The 24-25 team is led by three incredible women: Mrs. Isabella Droginske, Ms. Jennifer Mathieu, and Mrs. Kayla Nelson. These three put in many hours of their time making sure the team is ready to perform at tournaments and, most importantly, states. On top of that, they make sure that all the team members are working well together.
“We really have grown so much, especially this past year. I feel like our team is closer, more loving, and more connected than we ever have been before, and I think we can thank our coaches for that,” said senior Kelsey Holeczy.
In years past, the congressional debate part of the West Virginia Speech and Debate State Tournament took place the weekend before the rest of the tournament. This year, the Congress debate took place the day before the weekend tournament, turning it into a three-day tournament. The team competed on March 13th, 14th, and 15th, allowing team members to spend lots of time together.
“I really loved getting to spend time with all my besties. I feel like we got very close during this states just because we had a lot of team bonding time, so I think that was very special to get to do,” said junior Grace Mull.
The state tournament took place at West Virginia University, just like years past. One of the best parts of the team is its alumni. Every year, alumni return to assist the team on their road to the state championship and help judge rounds of both speech and debate.
“There’s definitely some frustration as a competitor when you get judges who don’t really know what the event you’re doing is… it always feels good to be able to provide meaningful feedback to people knowing that you’re helping,” said alum Collin Connor.
“The legacy runs so deep. We would have parents come back to coach and judge their kids. I made some of my best friends on this team, and I’m still friends with all these people to this day. I love coming back and getting to see them and getting to share this opportunity with them because we used to compete together, and now we judge together. And that’s just really special,” said alum Maria Goudy.
The team has had several impressive wins this year, such as taking first place at both Three
Rivers and Marshall, are two of the biggest tournaments they attend.
The last time the team swept the debate category was nearly a decade ago. This year, the team won every debate category, making for an even more memorable states experience.
Members of the team work diligently throughout the year. They truly begin their season in May after the team is announced. Through the summer, they work on their pieces. When the school year begins, after-school practices start not long after. Throughout the season, many members will work on new pieces, as well as polish the old. All of this is in preparation for the biggest tournament they face. States. It’s safe to say that the team worked hard this year for their win.
Out of the 34 team members who went to states, 26 of them brought home some hardware. On top of that, 12 members brought home a state championship. Those members include: Ariauna Friend, Josephine Gilbert, Jana Schodzinski (Extemporaneous Speaking and Congressional Debate), Levi Powell (Humorous/Dramatic Interpretation and Original Oratory), Morgan Graski, McKenna Guthoerl, Kelsey Holeczy, Maliah Miskiewicz, Grace Robertson-Villamagna, Khadija Rizwan, Ella Wheeler, and Siyan Lopez. The 45th state title was secured by a lead of over 400 points.
