Special Report
YOUNGSVILLE, La. — The Ruston High School Speech and Debate Team delivered a standout performance at Southside High School at the 51st Louisiana High School Speech League State Tournament of Champions, competing against more than 30 schools and over 100 students from across the state.
Ruston High placed fourth overall in sweepstakes, awarded for total team points, and brought home the prestigious Novalyne Price Ellis Trophy, which recognizes overall excellence in Louisiana speech and debate.
Several students advanced deep into elimination rounds. Josie Bishop and Oli Deal reached the quarterfinals in varsity impromptu speaking, while Melissa Le advanced to the semifinals in the same event. Caed Baines was a semifinalist in varsity extemporaneous speaking, and Ruqaya Ali reached the semifinals in varsity original oratory.
In declamation, Abi Ligon, Madison McCready and Nyah Metoyer all earned semifinalist honors. Cecilia Sheptoski placed fifth in novice dramatic interpretation, while Deal finished fourth in varsity informative speaking. Metoyer added a runner-up finish in novice impromptu speaking.
Ruston also placed three students on the Louisiana All-State Speech Team: Deal, Metoyer and Sheptoski.
Coach Sydney Phillips said the team’s performance reflects continued growth and depth.
“I am incredibly proud of the team,” Phillips said. “Half of our team pulled to elimination rounds, which is impressive given some of their events had up to 60 competitors in it.”
Phillips noted that while the team will graduate key seniors Melissa Le, Jacob Miller and Elena Baines, she is confident in the program’s future.
“I feel like every season we are getting better and performing at a higher level,” she said. “I look forward to seeing our growth continue when the 2026-27 season starts up in October.
“I also want to say thank you to all of our amazing parents, teachers, and community members who helped judge at tournaments this season. We could not do it without them giving up their weekends. It truly takes a village and the Ruston High School community is so amazing at rallying around our team and helping us out. We could not do it without them giving up their weekends. It truly takes a village.”
