Issaquah Debate Team Invites Students to Third Season After First-Ever Nationals Appearance

At the first meeting of the new school year, the Issaquah High School Debate Team members welcomed 82 attendees to their first practice and said they are looking forward to an incredible year.

After months of research, diligent practice, and dozens of speech re-dos, the Issaquah Debate Team traveled at the end of the 2025-26 season to the National Speech and Debate (NSDA) Tournament in Richmond, Virginia, where they competed against the top 7,000 students nationwide.

The team’s first appearance at the tournament was a tremendous experience for its four qualifying competitors. Public Forum Captains and rising seniors Maris Menenberg and Olivia Yang; Worlds Schools Captain Kelsi Lo, who graduated in June; and Ian Jackson, future Worlds Captain and rising junior; were accompanied by coaches Jonathan Daugherty and Debra Rubin, both of whom teach at Issaquah High School. From exploring the excitement of Richmond, connecting with debaters from all over the country, to actively competing against the nation’s best, Nationals was an unforgettable experience, Menenberg said.

At the tournament:

• Kelsi Lo & Ian Jackson (Worlds Schools Debate) - Reached Triple-Octofinals!! (Top 64 out of 197)
• Maris Menenberg & Olivia Yang (Public Forum Debate) - 115th out of 266

Menenberg added that the team can’t wait to welcome new members interested in improving their public speaking skills, learning about current events, and joining a “fiercely loyal, supportive, and energetic team dedicated to discourse.”

Any students with questions about the team or how to join are welcome to email issydebateteam@gmail.com.

Congratulations, Eagles!