Cooper junior qualifies for national speech tournament

Relief, followed quickly by gratitude and excitement, were Cooper High School (CHS) junior Kyiaa Cooper’s reactions to qualifying for the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament, which will be held June 13-19 in Richmond, Virginia.

“The last few weeks have been filled with hard work and practicing for this opportunity,” shared Cooper. “I’m excited to represent myself and my school at the national tournament!”

Cooper competes in the speech event Original Oratory, in which students deliver a 10-minute self-written speech from memory designed to persuade an audience on a topic of significance. This event is ideal for students who want to share their voice and passion about something meaningful by being creative, enthusiastic and thoughtful communicators.

“I enjoy Speech because I’m able to speak about topics that are important to me and listen to what others are passionate about as well,” said Cooper. “The community is just amazing to be a part of, free of judgment and toxicity. Speech keeps me involved, motivated and honestly inspired throughout the season, in and out of the Speech world.”

She is an active leader in the CHS community, as the vice president for the Black Student Union, a liaison for the League of Women Voters, and a member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee, Student Council, and Youth District Council. Cooper has competed in Speech and Debate since her freshman year of high school.

Cooper will join three other Rdale students who qualified for the National Speech & Debate Tournament in Congressional Debate. 

“I’m looking forward to hanging out with my teammates the most at the national tournament, we are a little family. I'm very excited to share a hotel, explore Richmond, and of course compete with them!