Rockingham County Public Schools proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of our students at the 111th VHSL State Debate Championships, held this past Saturday at James Madison University. All four RCPS high schools, Broadway, East Rockingham, Turner Ashby, and Spotswood, were well represented, competing in Classes 1-3 and demonstrating remarkable skill, preparation, and dedication.
Broadway High School
Broadway’s Allie Phillips earned a 5th place finish in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate division, guided by coaches Abbey Coleman and Steve O'Baugh.
East Rockingham High School
East Rockingham’s team of Rowan Meadows and Ava Breeden placed 4th in Policy Debate under the leadership of coach Bryce Weber. 
(The team photo featured is from the Regional Debate Tournament.)
Turner Ashby High School
Turner Ashby had several strong performances, all under the direction of Coach Michael Villacrusis:
Campbell Gay placed 22nd in Student Congress Debate.
Anahi Hernandez-Reyes placed 17th in Student Congress Debate.
Joscelin Cooper placed 16th in Student Congress Debate.
Nista Jamarkattel placed 10th in Student Congress Debate.
(Sebastian Grinberg-Bly and Jack St. John placed 3rd in Public Forum Debate).
Spotswood High School
Spotswood High School had a particularly impressive showing, culminating in winning the VHSL State Debate Team Championship for the second consecutive year. Individual results included:
Agustina Tobar, 6th place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
Mateo Mousa and Jude Hickerson, State Runners-Up in Public Forum Debate.
Zishaan Mahmood and Arisema Giday, State Champions in Policy Debate.
Arisema Giday, runner-up Top Speaker in Policy Debate.
Zishaan Mahmood, State Champion Top Speaker in Policy Debate.
Bodie Lohr, 18th place in Student Congress Debate.
Chenghau Yang, 12th place in Student Congress Debate.
Aya Hama Rashid, 8th place in Student Congress Debate.
Kiernan Sheahan, State Runner-Up in Student Congress Debate and recognized as the Outstanding Senator by his peers.
Coach Emmett Sheahan led the Blazers to their back-to-back state titles, a remarkable achievement that reflects years of hard work, commitment, and excellence.
The coaches from Broadway, East Rockingham, and Turner Ashby extend their warmest congratulations to Coach Sheahan and the Spotswood Debate Team for this well-deserved honor.
RCPS is incredibly proud of all our students who have dedicated themselves to debate throughout the year, a season that began in October and has now concluded with well-earned recognition at the state level.
Congratulations to all competitors for representing Rockingham County Public Schools with excellence, sportsmanship, and pride!