A comprehensive, region III Washington State Forensics Association high school program started in Fall ‘25. The team competes 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
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).
Speech & Debate 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.
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)