A comprehensive, region III Washington State Forensics Association high school program and National Speech & Debate Association member, competing in debate, prepared speaking events, and impromptu speaking events.
Students of every grade and experience level are encouraged to join.
Email head coach Brendan Stanton to learn more ([email protected]).
News
Capital High School Speech & Debate Makes a Powerful Comeback
(Story from the Olympia School District "Spotlight on Success" February 2026)
After a number of years without a team, Capital High School’s Speech & Debate program is officially back, with its first season in the books, which led to some remarkable results. What began as a small student-led debate club during Coug Time in the fall of 2024 quickly grew into a movement. A group of dedicated students wanted more than just weekly meetings, they wanted to compete. They researched how to form an official team, advocated for support and helped create a coaching position. In fall 2025, Coach Brendan Stanton was hired. Stanton, who brings eight years of competitive Speech & Debate experience and numerous awards from high school and college, said he applied because the activity was “one of the most significant parts of my life.”
Building Something Bigger Than Awards
From the beginning, Coach Stanton emphasized long-term growth over trophies. “Our goal was to build solid foundations to ensure long-term success,” he said. “Having a core group of dedicated students was key. Awards were not a priority.” Still, the team quickly earned recognition. At their first tournament of the season, Capital brought home three awards. Over the next four tournaments, that number grew to 27 additional awards. Because the team was small, they were not eligible for school-wide sweepstakes trophies. However, based on the student-to-award ratio, Capital ranked among the top schools, if not the top school in Western Washington, at several tournaments they attended.
“I am most proud of each team member for their dedication and commitment,” Stanton said. “They understood building a program was much bigger than any individual award, but that every individual effort was going to help. They outperformed anyone’s expectations.” He also noted how coachable the team was. “When they received feedback for improvement, they accepted it graciously and implemented it immediately.”
Standout Moments and Major Milestones
Because this was a rebuilding year, most students competed in the novice division. That meant they were not eligible to qualify for state. However, at their final regional tournament, the team decided to compete in the open division, where they faced more experienced competitors. The results were remarkable. Henry Graunke earned the 2nd Top Speaker in Public Forum Debate, beating out nearly every debater heading to state. This later qualified him and his teammate, Donovan Jojol, for a “wild card” entry at the WIAA State Tournament. Jojola also advanced to the finals in Original Oratory and qualified for the State Tournament with his speech titled A Seat at the Table: The Importance of Equitable Representation in Student Government.
Another major highlight came when the team competed at Stanford University’s 40th Annual Tournament after receiving a grant valued at over $1,000. More than 380 schools representing 39 states and several international programs participated. Seven Capital students competed, and six advanced to elimination rounds across 12 events. Many students also stepped outside their comfort zones by trying new events at this tournament, showing their range and versatility as speakers.
Confidence, Growth, and Finding Their Voice
Beyond trophies and rankings, the greatest impact has been personal growth. “At the start of the year, I was not that confident,” said Jacob Aubry (Class of 2028). “I would often second-guess myself, sometimes in the middle of rounds. But over the course of the season, I’ve learned to work past that fear and speak more confidently.” Sierra Newell (Class of 2028) shared a similar experience. “I remember being really nervous to do Public Forum Debate. The more I went up to speak, the more confident I got and the less I cared about what others thought of me.” Students also found academic growth. “It made me remember I was smart,” said Isla Morgan (Class of 2028). “It helped me think critically and be in touch with my intellectual abilities that can be applied to school and life.” For Donovan Jojola (Class of 2027), Speech & Debate became something even more meaningful. “This was the first thing I found that I love and that I want to do for the rest of my life,” he said. “It taught me my voice has value and showed me how I can use it.”
Looking Ahead
Coach Stanton hopes to grow the team next season by recruiting more students and attending additional tournaments. Financial support will also help cover entry fees and travel costs, so even more students can compete. Speech & Debate teaches skills that go far beyond competition, including critical thinking, confidence, collaboration and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. “Being able to communicate effectively, expanding your worldview and considering multiple perspectives are critical in society today,” Stanton said. For students thinking about joining next year, the team has simple advice: “Take the leap. Give it a shot,” said Lynne Johnson. “Just give it a go,” added Jojola. “It is worse to regret not trying it out than to have tried it and failed.” With a strong first season underway, Capital High School’s Speech & Debate team is not just back, it’s building a lasting legacy.
12 Awards Won at Stanford University's 40th International Tournament
February 8, 2026 The Speech & Debate Team had the honor of competing at Stanford University's 40th annual tournament online. "We were able to attend this prestigious tournament after receiving a grant valued at over $1,000," said coach Brendan Stanton. "This was an incredible opportunity for our students to compete against over 400 registered schools and programs across the country and even internationally," said Stanton.
Seven students attended the tournament and six earned spots in a total of 12 elimination rounds. Although this was the last regular season tournament, many students competed in new speech events, showing just how skilled they are in a variety of speaking formats.
Awards:
- 1st International Extemp - Jacob Aubry ('28)
- 2nd National Extemp - Henry Graunke ('27)
- 6th National Extemp - Jesse Aubry ('27)
- 5th Impromptu Speaking - Henry Graunke ('27)
- Quarterfinalist Impromptu Speaking - Jacob Aubry ('28)
- Quarterfinalist Impromptu Speaking - Jesse Aubry ('27)
- 3rd SPAR Debate - Jacob Aubry ('28)
- 5th SPAR Debate - Henry Graunke ('27)
- Semifinalist SPAR Debate - Lynne Johnson ('27)
- Semifinalist Informative Speaking - Lynne Johnson ('27)
- Octafinalist Original Oratory - Isla Morgan ('28)
- Octafinalist Original Oratory - Donovan Jojola ('27)
Graunke Takes 2nd and Jojola Earns Bid to WIAA State Tournament
January 31, 2026 At their final regional tournament of the season, Capital students finished strong. Henry Graunke ('27) earned 2nd top speaker in public forum debate. Although his team did not make the final, Graunke beat out nearly every debater representing region III at state, showing he is able to compete with the best in Western Washington. Graunke's Public Forum Debate partner Donovan Jojola ('27) earned the honor of representing Capital at the WIAA state tournament for his Original Oratory titled: A Seat at the Table: The Importance of Equitable Representation in Student Government. The oratory is a persuasive 10-minute speech, which Jojola will perform at state on March 21st.
Awards:
- 2nd Top Speaker in Public Forum Debate - Henry Graunke ('27)
- Finalist Original Oratory - Donovan Jojola ('27)
Speech & Debate Team Wins Big at University of Puget Sound
January 11, 2026 The Speech & Debate Team solidified Capital's reputation for being a formidable new team at the University of Puget Sound last weekend. UPS hosted 42 schools from 4 states, representing 639 total entries. Capital entered students in 5 events and won 1st place in 4 events and 2nd in the 5th.
Awards:
- 1st Original Oratory - Donovan Jojola ('27)
- 1st SPAR Debate - Henry Graunke ('27)
- 1st Impromptu Speaking - Jesse Aubry ('27)
- 1st Extemp Speaking - Donovan Jojola ('27)
- 4th Extemp Speaking - Jesse Aubry ('27)
- 2nd Public Forum Debate - Donovan Jojola ('27) & Henry Graunke ('27)
- Quarterfinalists Public Forum Debate - Jacob Aubry ('28) & Jesse Aubry ('27)
The team also had several students with strong performances, who finished just outside of award contention, including Sydney Woehler ('28), Eden LaRock ('27), Lynne Johnson ('27), Isla Morgan ('28), and Sierra Newell ('28).
Capital Hosts 1st Annual Intramural Tournament
December 12, 2025 The Capital Speech & Debate Team hosted their first annual intramural tournament last Friday. Just over a dozen students participated in four rounds of debate in a SPAR (spontaneous argumentation) style format. The top four competed in semifinals, which included Lynne Johnson ('27) and Rocco Dandrea ('27). Juniper Bryan ('27) and Martin Law ('27) went on to compete against each other in the finals. Bryan earned first place with the affirmative case on the resolution, "Schools should provide free breakfast and lunch to all students." Other topics ranged from banning social media to starting school later in the day. "It was awesome to see everyone engage in critical thinking and healthy dialogue. I'm excited to see more students join the team and gain these skills for the future," said Coach Brendan Stanton. The team will compete at their next regional tournament on January 9th and 10th at the University of Puget Sound. All students are encouraged to join the team regardless of grade level or experience. Email [email protected] to learn more.
Speech & Debate Continues Successful Start, Bringing Home 6 Awards
November 23, 2025 The Speech & Debate Team attended their second tournament at Tahoma HS in Maple Valley this weekend. Six students attended including: Leah Shipp ('29), Sydney Woehler ('28), Jacob Aubry ('28), Eden LaRock ('27), Donovan Jojola ('27), and Henry Graunke ('27). Students participated in prepared speech events, impromptu speaking events, and team debate.
Awards:
- 2nd Public Forum Debate – Henry Graunke ('27) & Donovan Jojola ('27)
- 2nd Top Speaker in Public Forum Debate – Henry Graunke ('27)
- 2nd Spar Debate – Jacob Aubry ('28)
- 3rd Original Oratory – Donovan Jojola ('27)
- Finalist in Impromptu Speaking – Eden LaRock ('27) & Jacob Aubry ('28)
Newly Formed Capital Speech & Debate Lays a Foundation for Future
November 9, 2025 The newly formed Capital Speech & Debate Team led by head coach Brendan Stanton set the tone for the future with a strong start in Gig Harbor. The team had practiced after school the last few months before attending their first tournament in Gig Harbor. Seven students attended including: Leah Shipp ('29), Sydney Woehler ('28), Jacob Aubry ('28), Eden LaRock ('27), Donovan Jojola ('27), Henry Graunke ('27), and Jesse Aubry ('27). Students participated in prepared speech events, impromptu speaking events, and team debate.
Awards:
- 4th Top Speaker in Public Forum Debate - Donovan Jojola ('27)
- 2nd Spar Debate - Jacob Aubry ('28)
- Finalist in Extemporaneous Speaking - Jesse Aubry ('27)