COMMUNITY
Faces in the crowd
ROYCE CHANG
IRIS WANG
Rancho Cucamonga Orange County School High School, California of the Arts, California
We’re thrilled to highlight individuals whose everyday actions embody the NSDA’s core value of equity and help make speech and debate a more inclusive and supportive activity. Through the actions, attitudes, and leadership shown, these stories are a gentle reminder that even in competition, our community is rich with kindness and care. The individuals in this piece were nominated by either their students, teammates, coaches, or members of the speech and debate community. Join us in celebrating these faces in the crowd!
CYRIL ZHU St. Mary’s School, California
Royce Chang, Iris Wang, and Cyril Zhu collaborated to produce a documentary highlighting mental health in speech and debate. Through leadership, creativity, and dedication, they gave voice to a critical issue impacting students and coaches alike. Their project aligns with the NSDA’s commitment to equity and inclusion by providing a platform for diverse perspectives and fostering open conversations. Their efforts embody the NSDA’s values and foster a more inclusive speech and debate community. — Nominated by Wei Wang
ISHMAEL KISSINGER Moore High School, Oklahoma Ishmael was my coach for four years and has shown nothing but leadership. He chose to help me even when I was outcasted. More recently, he was hospitalized for quite awhile. While he was away, he stayed focused and ran his team from a hospital bed. He has always been a key part of every debater’s life. He keeps money aside to buy them lunch if they don’t have money. He often will pull kids aside just to talk. He makes a point to form a connection with everyone. He changed my life and is an inspiration. — Nominated by Zane Gray
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ROSTRUM | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 |
NOLA MARRERO JUSTIN KURUP James Logan High School, California Mr. Kurup spends his life being one of the leaders of the Ethnic Studies and Social Justice program, where scholars of all ethnicities learn equity and leadership. He dedicates his time to host many tournaments. He leads the JLHS forensic program of 200 kids of all backgrounds, making sure they all compete even if they can’t afford the costs. He organizes coaches, provides feedback, and runs the program in and outside of school hours, working overtime for his students of both of these programs. — Nominated by Grace Liu
Mount Mercy Academy, New York Through Nola’s leadership roles as vice president of the student body and debate captain, she makes sure she takes in everyone’s opinions and ideas. She is a leading representative of our school in the program in our county representing Mount Mercy as the only all girls’ team in a speech and debate league that is already lacking women. She also is a representative of the DEI committee where she works to build a more inclusive and equitable community within the program and school. — Nominated by Brigid McQueary