CLC speech and debate team wins first national gold medal

The speech and debate team at College of Lake County finished one of its most successful seasons with its first national gold medalist in debate. This came after its strongest showing ever at the state tournament, with eight students qualifying for the national tournament.

From April 4-12, the team traveled to Bethesda, Maryland, to participate in the 2026 Phi Rho Pi National Speech and Debate Tournament. CLC earned four national medals competing in the largest community college speech and debate tournament in the country and performing against teams from across the nation.

Alyssa Jean-Pierre from Gurnee took home the gold medal for international public debate.

“I grew so much over the course of the season,” Jean-Pierre said. “Seeing that hard work pay off in the end was an incredible feeling.”

Joining Jean-Pierre were Kairene Casapao from Gurnee with a silver medal in persuasive speaking and bronze medal in communication analysis and Michael Sligting from Fox Lake with a bronze medal in speech to entertain.

Team members Luis Barahona from Round Lake Beach, Allison Bolisay from Lake Villa, Yvette Lara, Kendall Martinson from Buffalo Grove and Eleanor Rebmann from Wauconda also made valuable contributions to the team’s success.

“While every season and every group of students is special, this unique collection of CLC students was the exact kind of group that makes me want to coach this activity,” said Harry Bodell, coach and communications studies instructor. “They are bright, curious, kind, creative, hysterical and represent the best of what CLC has to offer. Alongside my fellow coaches and our alumni network, we couldn’t be prouder of all of our students’ success this season. We’re excited to build upon the momentum as we approach next season.”

Bodell was awarded the 2026 Dennis-Ross Coach of the Year Award at the state tournament in March. This is the second year in a row that the honor has been given to a CLC coach, with Joel Chmara winning last year. The team is also coached by communication studies instructor Stefanie Epifanio.

The speech and debate group is just one of many student teams, clubs and organizations on campus. For more information about how you can get involved, visit clcillinois.edu.