12th in the Nation

The GlenOak High School Speech and Debate Team returned from Richmond, Virginia with one of the most significant achievements in program history after competing at the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament.

Eight GlenOak students earned the opportunity to represent their school on the national stage, joining more than 7,000 competitors from across the United States. Competing against the nation's best requires months of preparation, dedication, and talent, and GlenOak's students rose to the occasion.

Representing GlenOak at the national tournament were Katie Dever, Conner Belden, James Bunnell, Jamee Hoffman, Charlie Burton, Francesca Codispoti, Johari Abdul-Zahir, and Cory Hillton.

Several students advanced deep into the competition and earned national recognition:

• Johari Abdul-Zahir – Poetry Double Octafinalist and Original Oratory Octafinalist
• Conner Belden – Humor Quarterfinalist, 24th Place Nationally
• Charlie Burton – Original Oratory Quarterfinalist, 21st Place Nationally
• Cory Hillton – Program Oral Interpretation Semifinalist, 12th Place Nationally

While those individual accomplishments are remarkable, the team's collective achievement made history.

For the first time ever, GlenOak earned a Speech School of Excellence Award, an honor reserved for the top 20 speech programs in the entire nation. Out of more than 1,200 schools represented at the national tournament, GlenOak finished 12th overall in speech competition.

The accomplishment reflects years of commitment from students and coaches who have worked to build one of the premier speech programs in the country. It also highlights the opportunities available to students at GlenOak, where learners are encouraged to find their voice, develop confidence, and compete at the highest levels.

To be recognized among the nation's top programs is an extraordinary achievement. To finish 12th in the country places GlenOak among the elite speech schools in America.

Congratulations to these outstanding students and coaches for representing Plain Local Schools and the GlenOak community with excellence, determination, and pride. 

From Canton to the national stage, GlenOak students demonstrate what our community already knows: our Eagles can compete with anyone, anywhere. Their success in Richmond is more than a milestone for the speech and debate team. It is a powerful reminder of the talent, determination, and potential that exist throughout Plain Local Schools. Go Eagles!