The Columbus Speech and Debate districts was held at Upper Arlington High School on Saturday, February 3, 2024. The Olentangy Liberty High School Speech and Debate team joined others at districts. The team did very well and placed second in team sweep stakes.

“I am really proud of how we did as a team,” said Nikhil Ravilla, a state qualifier. “It was so many people’s first time qualifying for states and everyone was so happy.”

State Qualifiers from Districts: 

Nikhil Ravilla ‘25 – International Extemp

Varsha Banumukkala ‘26 – Informative Speaking

Aneesh Jonnala ‘26 – Humorous Interpretation

Sherman Chan ‘24 – United States Extemp 

Nandini Uppala ‘26 – United States Extemp

Anisha Venkatakrishnan ‘26 and Hamsini Lingampally ‘26 – Public Forum Debate

Michelle Huang ‘26 and Shri Easwara ‘25 – Public Forum Debate

Lia Papachristou ‘26 – Original Oratory 

Samantha Mahle ‘25 – House Congressional Debate

Shaurya Mishra ‘26 – House Congressional Debate

The Liberty team also had several members bid out meaning that h=they placed high enough in four or more competitions to qualify directly for states.

State qualifiers from bidding out:

Anushka Chaba ‘25 -House Congressional Debate

Jordan Koth ‘26 – House Congressional Debate

Monishaa Tambe ‘26 – Original Oratory

Levi Li ‘25 – Lincoln Douglas Debate

Shakthi Bhaskar ‘26 and Niveditha Kadiam ‘26 – Public Forum Debate

Grisha Yelisetty ‘26 – Declamation

Selected for Senate Congressional Debate:

Sadie Seggerson ‘25 – Senate Congressional Debate 

Tony Li ‘25 – Senate Congressional Debate

“Last year we had 13 people qualify for states and this year we have 20 Liberty people qualify for states,” said Rebecca Granata, coach of Olentangy Liberty Speech and Debate.