Kaitlyn Allen-O’Gara of Oxford Academy won a national high school debate championship at the 2015 National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament, held June 14-19 in Dallas, Texas. Kaitlyn competed in the Senate chamber of Congressional Debate, competing against hundreds of students from all over the country.
Kaitlyn Allen-O’Gara of Oxford Academy won a national high school debate championship at the 2015 National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament, held June 14-19 in Dallas, Texas. Kaitlyn competed in the Senate chamber of Congressional Debate, competing against hundreds of students from all over the country.
Kaitlyn argued passionately for campaign finance reform and against the war powers act in the final round, earning her the best overall score from the nine judges in the final round. Kaitlyn is coached by Jon Williamson, director of Forensics at Oxford Academy. Kaitlyn was one of only three female national champions among the numerous events, which highlights the difficulty of her accomplishment.
By winning the tournament, Kaitlyn has also achieved auto-qualification to the 2016 Tournament of Champions and 2016 NSDA National tournament.
Congressional Debate at the national tournament is sponsored by the Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership, and the Stennis Center will be inviting Kaitlyn and Jon to Washington D.C. to meet public officials and provide input on policy change.
Kaitlyn is the team president at Oxford Academy, where she competes in a variety of debate events. Kaitlyn has placed at the State tournament in Congressional Debate and Parliamentary Debate, and was the undefeated champion of the La Costa Canyon Winter Classic in Public Forum Debate. She is the reigning Orange County champion in Impromptu Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking.
Kaitlyn was a national qualifier in 2014, reaching the semi-finals in the House chamber of Congressional Debate, and reaching quarter-finals in Impromptu Speaking.
Oxford Academy’s Speech & Debate team has been evolved into a nationally competitive program, qualifying students to nationals in each of the last three years. Oxford students in 2014 took 2nd place at the State Championships in Parliamentary Debate.
Oxford’s speech and debate program has been heavily supported by Oxford Academy principal Ron Hoshi, who is a valuable ally to the program.