Contra Costa Herald

District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson and Fire Chief Aaron McAlister (right) are joined by Con Fire personnel to cut the ribbon to officially open the new Regional Fire Communications Center on Friday, June 19, 2026. Photo by Lauren Ono, Con Fire

$26 million facility in Concord staffed and operated around the clock

By Lauren Ono, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

CONCORD, CA- The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) on Friday, June 19, 2026. It is a state-of-the-art emergency communications facility that serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout Contra Costa County.

“Before firefighters arrive on scene and before a paramedic begins treatment, an emergency dispatcher is already helping those in need,” said Contra Costa County Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “The opening of this communications center represents an investment in public safety for Contra Costa County. It ensures the highly skilled professionals who answer our calls for help have the tools, technology, and resources they need most, when every second counts.”

Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the CCRFCC is located at 2210 Willow Pass Road in Concord and staffed by extensively trained emergency dispatchers who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies. In addition to answering 911 calls, dispatchers gather critical information, provide pre-arrival medical and safety instructions to the caller, coordinate the deployment of resources, and support emergency personnel throughout an incident from initial dispatch to final resolution.

The approximately $26 million facility was designed to enhance operational reliability, improve coordination, and provide the advanced technological infrastructure necessary to support the County’s growing public safety needs. The facility includes 16 dispatch positions, dedicated training and conference room space, enhanced site security, and on-site dormitories to support 24/7 operations.

“This facility is more than a communications center,” Fire Chief Aaron McAlister said. “It is the foundation of our emergency response system. By investing in modern technology, resilient infrastructure, and our personnel, we are strengthening our ability to serve the communities in Contra Costa County for decades to come.”

Photos: Con Fire

Technology & Innovation

• Upgraded radio, telephone, and IT systems support 24/7 operations.
• Software tools track unit status, location, and incidents to optimize coverage in real time.
• iPads are now deployed on all fire apparatus for real-time communication and incident management.
• The CCRFCC has integrated EMS personnel into dispatch operations via the Alliance ambulance transport program.

In a Facebook post on Friday, June 26, District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson who was in attendance for the ribbon cutting wrote, “I was honored to stand with Fire Chief Aaron McAlister, members of the Communications Staff, and firefighters to celebrate the opening of the new Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) in Pleasant Hill. The CCRFCC is a state-of-the-art emergency communications facility that serves as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout the County. The facility was designed to enhance operational reliability, improve coordination, and provide the advanced technological infrastructure necessary to support the County’s growing public safety needs.”

The communications center serves as the primary dispatch point for fire and emergency medical services for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, the El Cerrito/Kensington Fire Department, the Crockett-Carquinez Fire District, and the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, and provides EMS dispatching for the Richmond Fire Department. It serves the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, Walnut Creek and the Town of Moraga.

In 2025, the CCRFCC dispatchers answered 253,294 calls and dispatched over 133,300 incidents.

For more information about the Regional Fire Communications Center visit Communications / Information Systems | Contra Costa County FPD, CA and for more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: American Discovery Trail

Longest continuous, non-motorized coast-to-coast relay in world history begins July 1st in California

By Dave Whitson, Director, 250 Relay, American Discovery Trail Society

Starting next Wednesday, July 1st, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery 250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware. This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. Participants will carry specialized batons carrying a replica of the Declaration of Independence. (See related article)

Source: American Discovery Trail

The FIRST WEEK highlights are as follows:

• Wednesday, July 1st: Relay begins at Point Reyes National Seashore at Limantour Beach. Members of the 1980-81 HikaNation event will be on hand to help start the relay. This event inspired the establishment of the American Discovery Trail, and details can be found in the attachment, below. The relay will start at 8:30 AM PT.
• Saturday, July 4th: The Relay crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. A July 4th party hosted by Pier 39 takes place from 11AM to NOON.
• Monday, July 6th UC Berkeley, CA to Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA. Start time: 8AM
• Tuesday, July 7th: Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA to Antioch Community Park, CA. Start time: 8:30AM

• Tuesday, July 7th: City of Clayton Welcome. Noon to 1PM. Contact Chris Karney, chrisk@claytonca.govor 925-943-2680.

• Wednesday, July 8th: Antioch Community Park, CA to Sacramento – William Land Park, CA. Start time: 7:30AM

• Wednesday, July 8th: City of Oakley Welcome.Time TBA. Contact Troy Faulk, Faulk@ci.oakley.ca.us or 925-625-7038.
• Wednesday, July 8th: Yolo County Welcome. Noon to 1PM. Contact Terry Selk, terry@visityolo.comor 530-297-1900

MAP OF FIRST WEEK:

Source: American Discovery Trail

For a complete calendar, please visit: discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar.

Interested participants or teams are asked to register for FREE at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay.  Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships.

Source: American Discovery Trail

About the American Discovery Trail

The American Discovery Trail is the nation’s first non-motorized coast-to-coast trail. It runs for 6,800 miles through 15 states and Washington, D.C. The route incorporates numerous local, state, and national trails, with most of them designed for walking, hiking, and running and for bicycle and equestrian use. It connects scores of scenic and historic trails, backcountry roads, national parks and forests plus thousands of state and local properties of historic, cultural and natural significance. Users can experience their local environment, or the 23 ecosystems the trail passes through – deserts, mountains, forests, waterfronts, and plains. You can learn more about the ADT by visiting www.discoverytrail.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: Richmond PD

By Richmond Police Department

Since May 1st, Richmond Police Officers have proactively confiscated 13 firearms from our streets through proactive policing efforts. These firearms were recovered because our officers are out every day and every night working to keep Richmond safer.

Each firearm taken off the street has the potential to prevent violent crime, save a life, and make our neighborhoods safer. Behind every recovery are officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our community and ensure Richmond remains a safer place for everyone.

The Richmond Police Department remains committed to reducing gun violence through proactive policing, strong community partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. We are proud of the work our officers do every day and thank our community for continuing to partner with us to help keep Richmond safe.

Andre Barocio, Jr. Photo source: Pleasant Hill PD

Andre Barocio, Jr. of Hercules killed Concord man then fled to Mexico; has history of arrests

Accomplice from Antioch previously arrested

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Andre Aaron Barocio, Jr. of Hercules was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the murder of 37-year-old Oscar Laredo-Arellano.

As previously reported, on April 3, 2023, Pleasant Hill Police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot outside Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. Officers located Laredo-Arellano deceased from a gunshot wound. The subsequent investigation determined he had been shot following an argument, and Barocio, Jr. was identified as the suspect. In May 2023, Pleasant Hill Police detectives, working in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies and Mexican state police, located Barocio, Jr. in Mexico. He was arrested and extradited to the United States to face justice.

On April 8, 2026, a jury found Barocio Jr. guilty of first-degree murder. Yesterday, he was sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison.

As previously reported, according to locacrimenews.com, Barocio has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by Pittsburg, Concord, U.C. Berkeley, Walnut Creek and West Covina Police Departments, as well as Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Department including for DUI, possession of ammunition, driving with suspended license and speeding over 100 MPH, and drug possession.

In addition, Angelo Martinez Delacruz of Antioch (born 5/31/90) was identified as a suspect in the shooting. In April 2023 he was arrested in Douglas County, Nevada. Upon extradition, police booked him into the Martinez Detention Facility for assault with a firearm. (See related article)

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Barocio, Jr. is five-feet, eight-inches tall and 260-pounds.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Oscar’s mother, family, and loved ones. We are grateful to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work in prosecuting this case and for their continued support of Oscar’s family throughout this process.

This sentence reflects the dedication and collaboration of all those involved in bringing justice to the victim and his family.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at about 9:06 AM, a deputy sheriff at Martinez Detention Facility intake discovered a male inmate unresponsive in a room.

Health Services medical staff at MDF were immediately requested to respond. Deputies began life-saving measures until medical staff took over. The fire department and an ambulance also responded to MDF. The inmate was later pronounced deceased by paramedics.

The inmate is identified as 40-year-old Patrick Robert Smith who was White. He was arrested by Walnut Creek PD and booked into MDF on June 24, 2026, at about 10:00 AM. Smith was booked on narcotics charges.

According to the Walnut Creek Police Department, Smith was arrested at 8:45 AM in the 1800 Block of North Main Street.

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked and this incident is being investigated by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Officer Eric Young (with plaque) is joined by his wife and children to receive his honor as the 2025 Walnut Creek Police Department’s Officer of the Year by Chief Ryan Hibbs, Captain Jeff Slater (left) and Captain Holley Connors (right). All photos by Walnut Creek PD

Officer Greggmar Swift is Rookie of the Year

More recognized during 2025 Honors and Awards Ceremony

By Lt. Drew Olson, PIO, Walnut Creek Police Department

The Walnut Creek Police Department recently celebrated and honored the hard work and dedication of our team at our 2025 Honors and Awards Ceremony. This annual event recognizes the outstanding achievements, bravery, and professionalism demonstrated by our team members. We were also able to recognize community members for the important contributions they made to keeping our community safe.

Officer Greggmar Swift (second from left), honored as the 2025 Walnut Creek Police Department’s Rookie of the Year, was joined by his wife and children, Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captain Jeff Slater, Captain Holley Connors (right).

• Officer of the Year: Officer Eric Young
• Rookie of the Year: Officer Greggmar Swift
• Professional Staff Member of the Year: Crime Prevention Specialist Kira Raman
• Dispatcher of the Year: Dispatcher Hunter Edge
• Reserve Officer of the Year: Reserve Officer Tim Mahoney

Crime Prevention Specialist Kira Raman is honored as the Walnut Creek Police Department’s 2025 Professional Staff Member of the Year by Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captains Jeff Slater and Holley Connors.

Congratulations to all of our award recipients and honorees!

The Walnut Creek Police Department’s 2025 Reserve Officer of the Year Tim Mahoney was honored by Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captains Jeff Slater and Holley Connors.

In addition, Officers Jake Chaney, Shane Blatz, Brian Romero, Adam Cullen and  Eric Young, were recognized with the Firearms Interdiction Award.

Firearms Interdiction Award recipients Officers Jake Chaney, Shane Blatz, Brian Romero, Adam Cullen and Eric Young are joined by Chief Ryan Hibbs (left) and Captains Jeff Slater and Holley Connors (right).

We are proud of our team and their dedication to the community of Walnut Creek!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

The 18-year-old woman had a broken heart tattoo on her inner left wrist which helped in her identification. Photo: CCC Sheriff-Coroner’s Division

Just 18 years old; possibly same girl as went missing in Bakersfield last year

By Jimmy Lee, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Coroner’s Division

On May 4, 2026, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Coroner’s Division requested the public’s assistance in trying to identify a person, who despite multiple efforts, could not be identified.

After notifying local media and posting the information and photograph of a tattoo on social media, a person spoke to a Coroner Investigator stating she believed she knew the unidentified person and was able to provide a name. The person who spoke to the investigator was a social worker.

The Coroner’s Division continued their investigation and was later able to positively identify her. Next of kin were notified. She is identified as Layla White who was 18 years old at the time. Her last known address could not be determined.

Background: on February 16, 2026, a woman was struck by a train in Port Costa. The incident was investigated by Amtrak Police and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office. The person was pronounced deceased at the scene. The manner of death was later determined to be a suicide. The Coroner’s Division took custody of the body but could not identify the person who did not have any identification.

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the community for their interest in this case. Social media posts on our Facebook and X on the Jane Doe case generated nearly 250,000 views and 465 shares. In the end, a single person who saw the Facebook post provided a name. Investigators were able to positively identify her and provide some answers and closure to the family.

According to a report by KGET News, a 17-year-old girl named Layla White, matching the description of the 18-year-old in the Contra Costa case, went missing in Bakersfield on August 20, 2024, according to police.

Multi-agency effort; identified by County Coroner’s Office

By Pittsburg Police Department

On Monday, June 8, 2026, at approximately 2:19 p.m. Pittsburg Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by a 52-year-old male of Pittsburg known to have an active felony warrant for sexual abuse of a child. The suspect, who was the sole occupant, stopped the vehicle in the area of Loveridge Road and Pittsburg-Antioch Highway, but refused to cooperate with officers attempting to arrest him. Officers were able to see he was holding a firearm as he remained seated in the vehicle. Members of the Special Response Unit, including Crisis Negotiators immediately responded and began communicating with the suspect to reach a peaceful resolution. During this communication, the suspect expressed he wanted to end his life. Medical personnel were summoned and staged in the area throughout this encounter.

After over ten hours of communicating and attempting to negotiate a peaceful surrender, the suspect turned the gun on himself. The Special Response Unit and staged medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures, and he was transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, he did not survive the self-inflicted gunshot wound. No force was used by officers.

According to Jimmy Lee, Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office PIO, the man was identified as Jason Daniel Broers.

The Pittsburg Police Department would like to thank the Antioch Police Department, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Walnut Creek Police Department for their mutual aid support during this critical incident.

This is an active investigation. No further information will be released at this time. We ask anyone who has information related to this case to please contact Dispatch at (925) 646-2441.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Source: TRIP

Report finds needed system-wide reconstruction requires more than doubling current funding

By Rocky Moretti, Research Director & Shelley Hammond, Communications & Research Associate, TRIP – The Road Information Program

Washington, D.C. – As the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday, the U.S. Interstate Highway System is reaching 70 years old and continues to save lives and reduce delays, providing Americans with $65 billion in benefits annually.  But the nation’s most critical transportation network is also congested, carries significant levels of travel – particularly by large trucks – and lacks adequate funding to make needed repairs and improvements. America’s most critical transportation link will need to be rebuilt and expanded to meet the nation’s growing transportation needs, according to a report released today by TRIP – The Road Information Program – a national transportation research nonprofit. The report, “Saving Lives, Time and Money: Maintaining the Enduring Value of America’s Greatest Infrastructure Achievement, the Interstate Highway System at 70,” looks at the Interstate System’s use, condition and benefits, and the results of findings from the 2019 report prepared by the Transportation Research Board (TRB),  at the request of Congress on the condition and use of the Interstate Highway System and actions required to restore and upgrade the Interstate System.

The chart below ranks states whose Interstates are providing the greatest safety and reliability benefits, have greatest share of urban Interstate’s congested, have experienced the greatest increase in vehicle miles of travel (VMT) since 2000, have the largest share of pavement in poor condition, and have the greatest share of bridges in poor condition. Data for all states can be found in the Appendices.

Source: TRIP

This report’s Appendices includes data for the Interstate System in all states: value of safety and reliability benefits; hours of delays reduced, gallons of fuel saved, travel increase 2000-2024, pavements in poor condition, bridges in poor and fair condition, share of urban Interstates congested, daily travel per urban lane mile, travel by combination trucks, traffic fatality rate on Interstate vs non-Interstate roads and lives saved by Interstate safety features.

The TRIP report found that the Interstate Highway System is saving California residents’ lives, time and money.  Travel on the Interstate Highway System is more than twice as safe as on all other roadways, a result of built-in safety features like median barriers, paved shoulders, a minimum of four lanes, and complete separation from cross traffic and rail lines. The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles of travel on California’s Interstate highways in 2024 was 0.65, compared to 1.37 on non-Interstate routes. TRIP estimates that additional safety features on California’s Interstate Highway System saved 616 lives in 2024, the most in the country.

“The Interstate Highway System remains one of our nation’s most important transportation assets, helping to connect people, goods and services and support safe mobility across the country,” said Jill Ingrassia, Vice President of Public Affairs at AAA, Inc. “As TRIP’s report highlights, continued and increased investment is needed to maintain and modernize the system so it can meet current demands and serve future generations. AAA urges Congress and the administration to work together to ensure the Interstate System remains safe, reliable and efficient for all travelers.”

Based on analysis from the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A & M University, TRIP estimates that California’s Interstate Highway System, which provides improved access and reduces congestion, annually reduces total vehicle delays by 179 million hours and reduces gasoline consumption by approximately 50 million gallons.

TRIP estimates that the annual economic benefit of improved safety on California’s Interstate Highway System is $2.3 billion as a result of fewer serious and fatal traffic crashes. The TRIP report also found that California’s Interstate highways reduces traffic congestion by providing more efficient and reliable travel, which provides $5 billion annually in benefits due to reduced delays and fuel consumption – resulting in a combined benefit to California residents of approximately $7.3 billion annually due to improved traffic safety and reduced congestion — the highest amount among states.

“TRIP’s new report illustrates what’s at stake in the funding debate for the next surface transportation reauthorization bill and will be a valuable tool for policymakers. Our nation’s interstate system is vital for American travel and commerce – to the tune of $65 billion in annual benefits from reduced traffic fatalities and delays,” said John Drake, Vice President, Transportation, Infrastructure, and Supply Chain Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  “Yet, the TRIP report demonstrates that these benefits are at risk unless policymakers provide investments that continue to ensure a safe, modern, and efficient interstate system for the millions of Americans that utilize these corridors every day.”

According to the 2019 TRB report, the Interstate System has a persistent and growing backlog of physical and operational deficiencies as a result of age, heavy use and deferred reinvestment, and is in need of major reconstruction and modernization. The TRB report concludes that annual investment in the Interstate Highway System should be increased approximately two-and-a-half times, from $23 billion in 2018 to $57 billion annually over the next 20 years.

“As we all know, a safe, interconnected, well-maintained, and efficiently operated national transportation network is essential to our nation’s security and economy. The Interstate Highway System plays a pivotal role within that network, moving people and freight alike to their destinations safely,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. “As we look to a federal surface transportation reauthorization, this TRIP report allows us to see just how important it is to invest in our Interstate system and give states the tools they need to ensure safe and efficient transport today and well into the future.”

The TRIP report found that from 2000 to 2024 travel on California’s Interstate System increased by eight percent and that 88 percent of California’s urban Interstate highways are considered congested during peak hours – the highest share among states.

The report also found that travel by combination trucks accounts for eight percent of all travel on California’s Interstate highways.

“The TRIP report illustrates just how critical the Interstate Highway System is to moving the nation’s economy,” said Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Association.  “While Interstates comprise just a small share of the country’s lane-miles, they carry more than half of U.S. large truck traffic. However, a system designed 70 years ago can no longer support the demands of the 21st century. Today, highway congestion costs the trucking industry $109 billion a year, costs that are passed on to American consumers. It is time to renew Eisenhower’s vision for a safe, efficient means of moving long-distance traffic by investing in an Interstate Highway System that meets the needs of the next seven decades and beyond.”

TRIP’s report finds that while pavement smoothness on most segments of the Interstate system is acceptable, the crumbling foundations of most highway segments need to be reconstructed, and that continued resurfacing — rather than addressing underlying foundational issues — is resulting in diminishing returns and results in shorter periods of pavement smoothness.

As the aging system’s foundations continue to deteriorate, most Interstate highways, bridges and interchanges will need to be rebuilt or replaced, the TRB report finds. According to the TRIP report, pavements on seven percent – the 4th highest share in the nation – and 17 percent are rated in mediocre condition.  Four percent of California’s Interstate bridges are rated in poor condition – the 12th highest share in the U.S., and 45 percent are rated in fair condition.

Restoring and upgrading the Interstate Highway System to meet the nation’s 21st Century transportation needs will require a significant boost in funding, strong federal leadership and a robust federal-state partnership to reestablish the Interstate Highway System as the nation’s premier transportation network.   A primary funding source for the Interstate Highway System is the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), enacted in November 2021. While the IIJA offers a major opportunity to upgrade the safety and reliability of America’s roads, bridges, and transit, its upcoming expiration on September 30, 2026, creates a pressing deadline for reauthorization of the program.

Based on the findings of the TRB Interstate report, TRIP has provided a set of recommendations for the restoration of the Interstate Highway System, which includes:  the foundational reconstruction of Interstate highways, bridges and interchanges; improvement to roadway safety features; system right-sizing, including upgrading of some roadway corridors to Interstate standards; adding needed additional highway capacity on existing routes; adding additional corridors; and, modifying some urban segments to maintain connectivity while remediating economic and social disruption.

“The Interstate Highway System at 70 continues to provide tremendous benefits to Americans, saving lives, time and money,” said Dave Kearby, TRIP’s executive director.  “It is absolutely vital that we preserve these transportation benefits for future generations of Americans, but this will require that the funding needed to rebuild and modernize our Interstate highways is provided.”

2026 Middle School National Champions

By Shelby Young, Marketing & Communications, National Speech & Debate Association

The National Speech & Debate Association is proud to announce the 2026 Middle School National Speech & Debate Champions! Three students from Windmere Ranch Middle School Argumentative Debate and Academic Competition Club (ADACC) in San Ramon. Lillian Liu won the Congressional Debate competition, and Zidaan Barodawala and Iris Ai won the Public Forum Debate competition. The school is in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District.

Around 1,000 middle school students from 39 states and six countries traveled to Richmond, Virginia to compete in the National Speech & Debate Tournament, the “superbowl” of academia.

“Speech and debate equips students with skills that will serve them for a lifetime—confidence, communication, critical thinking, and the ability to engage respectfully with different perspectives,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the National Speech & Debate Association. “These skills help students succeed not only in school, but also as future leaders, professionals, and active members of their communities.”

2026 Middle School National Speech & Debate Champions:

Congressional Debate

Lillian Liu of Windmere Ranch Middle School ADACC, San Ramon, California

Public Forum Debate

Zidaan Barodawala and Iris Ai, Windmere Ranch Middle School ADACC, San Ramon, California

Declamation

Leah Domar, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Dramatic Interpretation

Lauren Elliott, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Duo Interpretation

Lauren Elliott & Vesper Garza, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Humorous Interpretation

Tiegen Fryberger, Duluth Marshall School, Minnesota

Impromptu Speaking

Taj Brown, The Village Middle School, Texas

Informative Speaking

Aivah Dauzart, David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy, Louisiana

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Bailey Wong, El Roble Intermediate, California

Mixed Extemporaneous Speaking

Liam Sahli, Friendly Hills Middle School, Minnesota

Original Oratory

Maahi Ailawadhi, Alice B. Landrum Middle School, Florida

Original Spoken Word Poetry

Damilola Adeoshun, E. A. Olle Middle School, Texas

Poetry

Cetlalli Valenzuela Gonzalez, Edgewood Middle School, California

Policy Debate 

Tariq Abdul-Jami and Nicholas Hinkhouse, Solar Preparatory School for Boys, Texas

Program Oral Interpretation

Vesper Garza, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

Prose

Madden Davis, LaRue County Middle School, Kentucky

Storytelling

Lauren Elliott, Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences, Texas

World Schools Debate

Team China Gold

Ryan Yan, Miranda Chen and Yunran Geng, Dialogy, China

With more than 100,000 student members across the country, the NSDA is the premier platform for speech and debate, preparing generations of young people to engage in the public sphere through academically rigorous speech and debate training, competitions, and education.

Over the next five years, the NSDA has a goal to double the number of students involved in speech and debate to 200,000 students across the country.

The 2027 National Tournament will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, from June 13–18, 2027. To learn more about Nationals, visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals.

About the National Speech & Debate Association

The National Speech & Debate Association is the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States. The Association builds the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world by providing topics, educational resources, and training for students and coaches. For 100 years, the National Speech & Debate Association has built a platform for youth voices that culminates in the National Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. For more information, visit www.speechanddebate.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.