CANFIELD — The South Range High School Speech and Debate team recently had 10 students qualify for the 2026 National Speech and Debate Association tournament in Richmond, Virginia, this summer.

The students earned their spot as a result of their standings at the NSDA Northern Ohio District competition Feb. 21 at Poland Seminary High School. Additionally, South Range Superintendent Dr. Jarred Zapolnik received the “District Administrator of the Year” award for supporting South Range in co-hosting the state competition.

The following students were finalists at the tournament: Ruby Cleevely, 4th in Original Oratory; JJ Kennedy, 3rd and 1st alternate in IX; Ashley Kersten, 3rd and 1st alternate in Info; and Addie Sell, 2nd in Poi (national qualifier, turned down for preferred category). The following students are 2026 national qualifiers: Steven DiMuzio and Lilah Angus, Public Forum debate tournament champions; Addie Sell and Harper Bailey, Duo interpretation tournament champions; Solena DeJesus, 3rd in POI; senior Quincy Bailey (for the second year in a row thanks to her 12th place finish last year at the national tournament.

Middle schoolers going to nationals are Zach Nicoloff and Dallas Dispenza. The Raider Speech and Debate team is advised by Nicole Fryfogle.