The OHS Speech and Debate team has started off the 2025-2026 school year with new leadership and big goals. AVID teacher Kristen Fondren steps into a coaching role. Her impact on the Speech and Debate students has already started. Students are starting the year stronger, more confident, and more prepared going into competition season.
Fondren decided to take on the position after hearing the team needed a new coach. She was inspired by the dedication the students showed for Speech and Debate.
“I decided to become the coach because the students have a lot of passion and I wanted to be a part of this,” Fondren said. “They’re very energetic and I am learning from them & I hope they are learning from me.”
Even though it’s only been a month since Fondren took over, the transition has gone smoothly. The students and parents have both been supportive and welcoming.
“It’s been busy, but good,” Fondren said. “The parents have provided great support so far and I look forward to growing these relationships with students and parents.”
OHS won best in debate at state championships last year. Competing against 14 speech oriented events, some include debate formats, Public Forum, Policy, and Lincoln Douglass. Fondren hopes to continue that success and continue to bring home many wins.
“My main goals are to increase the number of club points for OHS Speech and Debate to move from 200 to 300 points and get national recognition as well as creating procedures that are written and in place,” Fondren said. “This will lead to greater efficiency for the team.”
Fondren believes that Speech and Debate offers students more than just trophies. The team helps build leadership, confidence, and friendships that last past high school.
“I believe students can gain confidence and gain new friendships with other students,” Fondren said.
For senior Jun Jang, who has been competing since senior year. Speech and Debate has shaped him in important ways.
“I actually joined the speech and debate team because I used to be scared of speaking in front of a lot of people, and honestly even people in general.” Jang said
June has grown into a leadership role and now serves as the team president. Being president means helping other students on the team feel confident.
“This year I’m the team president,” Jang said. “I help organize practices, mentor novices, and help with a lot of the management side of the team.
Competitions are one of the most exciting parts of being on the team, for June. Competitions can be a lot to prepare for but you end up meeting lots of friends.
“Speech and debate competitions are amazing and are probably the reason why I’ve stuck to doing this for so long,” Jang said. “At tournaments, you’ll see a mix of people doing chaotic last minute preparation and having fun and talking with debaters from other schools.” “It has been really cool meeting so many other kids interested in what I do, and I’ve met many of my closest friends from our debate program and even some around the country.”
Fondren also encourages student leadership within the team, giving officers the chance to motivate the rest of the team before competitions.
“I allow the presidents to lead the pep talk,” Fondren said. “They are very good at motivating their peers and I believe it is a great way to establish student leadership.”
For many OHS students, Speech and Debate has been a positive experience. Junior Lilly Schornhorst has been on the team since her freshman year and says joining the team helped her become better at public speaking.
“I joined Speech and Debate because I wanted to get better at public speaking,” Schornhorst said. “I’m interested in pursuing law so I thought it’d be a good club to join.”
Schornhorst competes mainly in Public Forum debate, a 2v2 debate about different topics happening currently. She also enjoys competing in other events where she recites different speeches.
“We have three practices a week, but I usually practice once or twice,” Schornhorst said. “Competitions are lots of fun with so many opportunities to meet new people!”
