AHS Speech and Debate Earns National School of Honor Award

By Linda Langford

Avon High School's Speech and Debate program capped off a record-breaking season this summer by earning the National Speech and Debate Association's (NSDA) School of Honor Award, placing the team among the top 40 programs in the country.

The recognition came at the NSDA National Tournament in Richmond, Virginia, where Avon competed against roughly 7,000 students representing 1,500 schools from across the nation.

Avon's Speech and Debate team is proof of what happens when a community believes in its students. Head Coach Linda Langford

"Avon's Speech and Debate team is proof of what happens when a community believes in its students," said Head Coach Linda Langford. "This award reflects years of growth, hard work, and support from our coaching staff, our school corporation, and our community."

From the Ground Up

The achievement marks a milestone in a program that has grown dramatically since being relaunched in 2020. What began with just seven students has expanded into a roster of 95 competitors on the speech team alone. Along the way, Avon has claimed:

• Five Sectional Championships
• Five Hoosier Crossroads District Championships
• Three 3A State Championships
• Nine individual state champions since 2020
• More than 75 student qualifiers to the National Tournament

The program's debate team, now in its sixth year and over 45 students strong, has also emerged as one of the state's top competitors, consistently finishing among Indiana's top five teams and producing two individual state champions of its own.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026-27 season approaching, coaches say the team's momentum shows no signs of slowing. A community sponsorship campaign is currently underway to help offset the program's annual operating costs, ensuring the team can continue competing at the level it has earned.

Whether you've watched our team grow from here in Avon, cheered on your own student through this program, or know firsthand what these four years of speech and debate can do for a young person, you know the value of this program.

For more information on the Avon High School Speech and Debate team or how to support the program, contact Head Coach Linda Langford.

Email Linda Langford

You may also make donations through the Avon Education Foundation.

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