Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Three San Ramon students win at National Speech & Debate Tournament

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2026 Middle School National Champions

By Shelby Young, Marketing & Communications, National Speech & Debate Association

The National Speech & Debate Association is proud to announce the 2026 Middle School National Speech & Debate Champions! Three students from Windmere Ranch Middle School Argumentative Debate and Academic Competition Club (ADACC) in San Ramon. Lillian Liu won the Congressional Debate competition, and Zidaan Barodawala and Iris Ai won the Public Forum Debate competition. The school is in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District.

Around 1,000 middle school students from 39 states and six countries traveled to Richmond, Virginia to compete in the National Speech & Debate Tournament, the “superbowl” of academia.

“Speech and debate equips students with skills that will serve them for a lifetime—confidence, communication, critical thinking, and the ability to engage respectfully with different perspectives,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the National Speech & Debate Association. “These skills help students succeed not only in school, but also as future leaders, professionals, and active members of their communities.”

2026 Middle School National Speech & Debate Champions:

Congressional Debate

Lillian Liu of Windmere Ranch Middle School ADACC, San Ramon, California

Public Forum Debate

Zidaan Barodawala and Iris Ai, Windmere Ranch Middle School ADACC, San Ramon, California

Declamation

Leah Domar, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Dramatic Interpretation

Lauren Elliott, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Duo Interpretation

Lauren Elliott & Vesper Garza, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Humorous Interpretation

Tiegen Fryberger, Duluth Marshall School, Minnesota

Impromptu Speaking

Taj Brown, The Village Middle School, Texas

Informative Speaking

Aivah Dauzart, David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy, Louisiana

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Bailey Wong, El Roble Intermediate, California

Mixed Extemporaneous Speaking

Liam Sahli, Friendly Hills Middle School, Minnesota

Original Oratory

Maahi Ailawadhi, Alice B. Landrum Middle School, Florida

Original Spoken Word Poetry

Damilola Adeoshun, E. A. Olle Middle School, Texas

Poetry

Cetlalli Valenzuela Gonzalez, Edgewood Middle School, California

Policy Debate 

Tariq Abdul-Jami and Nicholas Hinkhouse, Solar Preparatory School for Boys, Texas

Program Oral Interpretation

Vesper Garza, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Prose

Madden Davis, LaRue County Middle School, Kentucky

Storytelling

Lauren Elliott, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

World Schools Debate

Team China Gold

Ryan Yan, Miranda Chen and Yunran Geng, Dialogy, China

With more than 100,000 student members across the country, the NSDA is the premier platform for speech and debate, preparing generations of young people to engage in the public sphere through academically rigorous speech and debate training, competitions, and education.

Over the next five years, the NSDA has a goal to double the number of students involved in speech and debate to 200,000 students across the country.

The 2027 National Tournament will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, from June 13–18, 2027. To learn more about Nationals, visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals.

About the National Speech & Debate Association

The National Speech & Debate Association is the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States. The Association builds the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world by providing topics, educational resources, and training for students and coaches. For 100 years, the National Speech & Debate Association has built a platform for youth voices that culminates in the National Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. For more information, visit www.speechanddebate.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Monte Vista High student is National Speech & Debate Tournament champion

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Anadita Upadhyaya is a 2026 National Speech & Debate Champion. Photo: LinkedIn

By Shelby Young, Marketing & Communications, National Speech & Debate Association

After five days of rigorous competition at the National Speech & Debate Tournament, six students have earned the title of national finalist in the Rep. Barbara Jordan Congressional Debate – House competition. Anadita Upadhyaya, a sophomore at Monte Vista High School in Danville, is the National Champion. The competition is part of the 2026 Main Debate Event.

The Tournament, presented by the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA), is the world’s largest academic competition. More than 7,000 students from 48 states, the District of Columbia, two U.S. territories, and eight countries traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to compete this past week.

“Speech and debate equips students with the skills to engage meaningfully with the world—to question, advocate, understand diverse perspectives, think critically, and communicate with purpose,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the NSDA. “These students are the next generation of leaders and changemakers, and their voices will build a stronger future.”

Congressional Debate is a group debate event simulating the U.S. legislative process. Students meet in chambers and debate legislation over a session typically lasting two to three hours.

Source: NSDA

The NSDA is proud to recognize the top six students in the country in the Rep. Barbara Jordan Congressional Debate – House:

National Champion

Anadita Upadhyaya

Monte Vista High School, California

According to her LinkedIn profile she wrote, “A high school sophomore driven by a curiosity for how AI and innovative technology can solve real-world problems. Whether I’m diving into STEM projects, breaking down complex ideas into engaging stories through public speaking, or practicing discipline on the martial arts mat as a third-degree black belt, I love taking on new challenges. Always open to public speaking opportunities and eager to connect with peers, mentors, and innovators!

Anadita has been a member of the California Scholarship Federation Danville, is currently the On-site Co-President beginning this month and served as the Director of Student Activities from June 2025 to May 2026.

She is a Third Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and has worked as a referee for World Taekwondo in the San Francisco Bay Area since August 2024.

2nd Place

Alysia Aldea

Medina Senior High School, Ohio

3rd Place

Chaith Mittal

Archbishop Mitty High School, California

4th Place

Enan Khan

American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus, Florida

5th Place

Hayley Fung

Los Osos High School, California

6th Place

Vedant Hathalia

Bellarmine College Preparatory, California

These students represent the top 1% of speech and debate competitors in the National Speech & Debate Association. Students must compete in local, regional, or online district competitions throughout the school year to qualify for the National Speech & Debate Tournament. Finalists are selected after multiple rounds of competition with students from across the country.

See more about the various competitions and the finalists on the NSDA Facebook page.

The NSDA is the largest speech and debate organization in the United States, supporting interscholastic tournaments, schools, coaches, and students since 1925. For more than 100 years, the NSDA has prepared generations of young people to engage in the public sphere through academically rigorous speech and debate training, competitions, and education.

The NSDA plans to expand access to this life-changing activity through the National Speech & Debate Initiative. Over the next five years, the NSDA has a goal to increase participation in speech and debate to 200,000 students by 2030. To learn more about the NSDA, visit www.speechanddebate.org.

The 2027 National Tournament will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, June 13-18, 2027. To learn more about Nationals, visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals.

About the National Speech & Debate Association

The National Speech & Debate Association is the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States. The Association builds the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world by providing topics, educational resources, and training for students and coaches. For more than 100 years, the National Speech & Debate Association has built a platform for youth voices that culminates in the National Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. For more information, visit www.speechanddebate.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

 

County Fair Scholarship Program announces 2026 Miss and Mini Miss Contra Costa contestants

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Miss Contra Costa 2026 contests are (back row L-R) Emelia Brown, Yareli Santuario and Kaylee Rhiann Wright. Mini Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants are (front row L-R) Gianna Lynch, Teigan Moore and Chloe Pettyjohn. Photos by Contra Costa County Fair.

Coronations May 14th at the 2026 Contra Costa Fair!

By Cheyenne Erickson, CEO, Contra Costa Fair & Event Park

The Contra Costa County Fair Scholarship Program provides young participants with valuable life and career skills while giving them the opportunity to earn education funds. Through the program, participants develop speech writing and public speaking abilities, build professional resumes, and showcase their unique talents.

They also gain confidence through interview practice, including answering impromptu questions skills that prepare them for future academic and career opportunities. The program focuses on personal growth, leadership, and community involvement, all while rewarding participants with scholarships to support their educational goals. Miss Contra Costa will receive a $1,000 scholarship and Mini Miss Contra Costa will receive $500 provided by the Contra Costa County Fair. They will serve as ambassadors of the fair throughout the year at community service events.

Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants Emelia “Eme” Brown, Yareli Santuario and Kaylee Rhiann Wright. Photos: CCC Fair

MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:

  • Emelia Brown, 17, lives in Discovery Bay and she attends Liberty High School. She is a varsity volleyball player and participates in swimming and basketball. She enjoys surfing and spending time on the water.
  • Yareli Santuario, 17, lives in Antioch and attends Antioch High School. She is passionate about spreading positivity in her community and is involved with Be Exceptional and serves as an ambassador for the We Get It Foundation.
  • Kaylee Wright, 17, lives in Martinez and attends Alhambra High School. She enjoys meeting and uplifting others, loves animals, and has a soft spot for dark chocolate.

Mini Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants Gianna Lynch, Teigan Moore and Chloe Pettyjohn. Photos: CCC Fair

MINI MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:

  • Gianna Lynch, 11, is a fifth grader from Brentwood. She enjoys performing in plays, singing, and acting, and is an active member of Brentwood 4-H.
  • Teigen Moore, 8, of Discovery Bay, loves reading and art. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and hopes to become a teacher one day.
  • Chloe Pettyjohn, 11, from Brentwood, has a two-year-old Pomeranian named Peanut. She enjoys dancing, karate, and crafting, and values time with her family and friends.

2025 Queen & Princesses to End Their Reigns

2025 Contra Costa Fair Queen Aili Selvin.

Aili Selvin of Martinez will end her reign as the 2025 Miss Contra Costa County Fair Pageant Queen. The County Fair Board offered their appreciation to her saying, “We are so proud of you and appreciate your contributions to your community all while carrying yourself with the upmost poise and kindness. We look forward to seeing more of your bright future!”

The 2025 Fair Princesses Jocelyn Luna of Oakley and Madilyn Davis of Antioch and Miss Congeniality Michalia Banks of Antioch will also end their reigns.

2025 Contra Costa Fair Queen Aili Selvin of Martinez and Fair Princesses Jocelyn Luna of Oakley and Madilyn Davis of Antioch, along with Miss Congeniality, Michalia Banks also of Antioch. Photo by Contra Costa County Fair

2026 Miss Contra Costa Pageant Director Danielle Ferguson.

Pageant Director Danielle Ferguson said, “I am honored to serve as the new Director for the Miss Contra Costa County Scholarship Program.  I grew up in the pageant world, competing from infancy through the age of 24, and spent many years as a dedicated dancer – truly growing up on the stage.  These experiences shaped my love for performance, confidence-building and empowering young women.  I am excited to bring passion, polish and heart to this program and to create an inspiring and memorable experience for every participant.”

Meet the six contestants during the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair May 14-17 at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch. Join us May 14th for both competitions and come support your next Miss & Mini Miss Contra Costa! For more information visit Miss Contra Costa and www.contracostafair.com where you can purchase tickets for the fair.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Enter the CA State Parks 2025 photo contest to win prizes in 5 categories

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Source: CA State Parks

Part of Golden State’s 175th Anniversary celebration

Vote Nov. 3-17 for your favorite People’s Choice Award winners 

By California Department of Parks and Recreation

Hey California State Parks fans,

Have you ever taken a breathtaking photo in one of California’s state parks and thought, “This is so good it could win a contest”? Well, now’s your chance. Inspired by the Golden State’s 175th anniversary earlier this month, California State Parks is holding a photo contest inviting Californians to celebrate the state’s natural beauty and history. You can submit photos taken in one of 280 state parks in up to five categories for a chance to win special prizes, including A Wild Ride, Living Wonders, Heroes and Helpers, Space for All and Landscapes and Legacy.

Photos must be taken in 2025. Be sure to submit yours by October 9, 2025.

5 People’s Choice Awards Winners, Vote for Your Favorite

Then, the public can vote for their favorite photos: Nov. 3-17

From Nov. 3 to 17, help choose the People’s Choice Award winners by voting for your favorite semifinalist photos. First, a panel of judges will pick the top 50 semifinalist photos in each category. Then, you can vote once per day on any photo—even your own. The photo with the most votes in each category wins the People’s Choice Award.

Submit your photos and see the full contest rules at Photocontest.parks.ca.gov!

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.