The Olentangy Liberty High School Speech and Debate team joined by others at districts went to the Columbus Speech and Debate districts, held at Upper Arlington High School on Saturday, February 3, 2024. 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 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.