The Randolph Speech & Debate team wrapped up its 2025-26 season in late March with an astounding 55 wins, an outstanding accomplishment, especially for a team that welcomed many new faces including several freshmen.  

“I am very proud of our 2025-26 Speech & Debate season,” head coach Katherine Burke said. “Beyond the wins, we had many students join the team or try new events, which is always the goal. I’m so excited to see how many students have learned something, tried something new or made a new friend on the team.”   

The team’s final tournaments were the National Speech and Debate Association (NJSDA) District Tournament, held at Phillipsburg High School, and the New Jersey Speech and Debate League (NJSDL) State Tournament, held at Hunterdon Central High School.

NSDA District Results 

• Tanishka Shahoo (senior): National Qualifier, Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking 
• Evan Schwartz (junior): First Alternate, Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking 
• Sarah Samtackamy (sophomore): Quarterfinalist, Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate  

In addition to her competition success, Shahoo was named NJSDL Student of the Year. To determine the winners of this highly prestigious award, coaches nominate candidates, who are then reviewed by a selection board.   

“As a senior who’s in my last year of Speech & Debate, I’m so thankful for the people I’ve met through this activity,” Shahoo said. “I’m so glad I get to end my last season on such a great note, being recognized by the community!”  

The following weekend, the team competed at the NJSDL State Tournament–an emotional event marking the final competition for many senior leaders who have shaped the team’s culture and success.

NJSDL State Results   

• Tanishka Shahoo (senior): 4^th place, Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking 
• Ryan Davidson (senior): 8^th place, Varsity Congressional Debate 
• Preston Salim (junior): 10^th place, Varsity Congressional Debate  
• Ola Jankowska (junior): 12^th place, Varsity Congressional Debate 
• Evan Schwartz (junior): Semifinalist, Original Oratory 
• Reagan Van Pelt & Hirsh Joshi (freshmen): Quarterfinalists, Novice Public Forum Debate  

“This season was a great example of what happens when hard work and collaboration come together,” assistant coach Victoria Testa said. “This season showcased the best of our team: strong competitive results, a willingness to try new challenges and upperclassmen who stepped up to mentor newer members. Their effort and teamwork made the season a huge success.”