Cobb Reporter

Lassiter High School's Speech and Debate Team achieved significant success at the Georgia Forensic Coaches Association (GFCA) Varsity State Speech and Debate Championship. The team won the State Championship in Speech Sweepstakes and was named State Runner-Up in Overall Sweepstakes, confirming their status as one of Georgia's leading teams.

Jonathan Waters, an English teacher at Lassiter who coaches the debate team alongside Social Studies teacher Christina Cazzola, expressed pride in the team's accomplishments. "Winning the State Speech Sweepstakes Championship and securing the title of State Runner-Up Overall testifies to the dedication to excellence exemplified by the Lassiter Trojans," he stated. "The students worked tirelessly and committed themselves to the hard work of a long season. Their coaches couldn't be prouder!"

The team's students excelled individually across various categories, earning state titles and high placements. Emma Rasco won in Program of Oral Interpretation, while Prioska Baruah took first place in Original Oratory. Sophia Martin and Zarah Scott were runners-up in Program of Oral Interpretation and Informative Speaking, respectively.

Other notable performances included Zarah Scott as a finalist in Impromptu Speaking, Annabel Dutta and Samuel Lamirand as semifinalists in Original Oratory, Adeleine Choi reaching quarterfinals in Lincoln Douglas debate, and Madison Kang & Niharika Raman advancing to quarterfinals in Public Forum debate.

Coach Jonathan Waters received recognition for his leadership with two prestigious awards: GFCA Speech Coach of the Year and induction into the GFCA Hall of Fame. These honors highlight his commitment to guiding Lassiter's speech and debate program.

Lassiter’s Speech and Debate Team continues its tradition of excellence through dedicated preparation by both students and coaches. Congratulations are extended to all competitors, Coach Waters, and everyone involved with Lassiter's team for their outstanding achievements at this year's state championship.