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Plano ISD Shines at Texas Forensics Association State Tournament

Plano ISD proudly celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of its talented speech and debate students who earned top honors at the prestigious Texas Forensic Association (TFA) State Tournament. Out of more than 1,400 competitors representing 180 schools across Texas, these students distinguished themselves through their excellence, dedication and competitive spirit.

To qualify for the TFA State Tournament, students must earn 12 points in a single event throughout the season by placing at TFA-sanctioned competitions—an achievement that speaks to their skill, consistency and passion for the art of speech and debate. These students not only met that standard—they excelled on the state’s biggest stage.

Plano West Senior High School

Coaches: Reggie Chapman, Dave Huston and Meghan Clark

Plano West Speech and Debate team at the board meeting
Plano West Speech at Debate team with Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra (left) and Fine Arts Coordinator Cassidy McQuiston (far right)

Plano West's team delivered standout performances, earning a third place overall sweepstakes award and multiple individual accolades:

  • Peter Yoon – State Champion (1st Place), Humorous Interpretation

  • Eric Qian – 3rd Place, International Extemporaneous Speaking

  • Katherine Liu – 4th Place, International Extemporaneous Speaking

  • Shiloh Wilson & Nicole Lee – 6th Place, Duo Interpretation

Plano East Senior High School

Coaches: Madi Gackenbach and Miranda Villanueva

Plano East Speech and Debate team at the board meeting
Plano East Speech and Debate team with Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra (left) and Fine Arts Coordinator Cassidy McQuiston (far right)

Plano East’s team earned the 4th most qualifications to the state tournament and took home the 5th place overall sweepstakes award, highlighting their depth and strength across categories:

  • Pranav Gorty –

    • 3rd Place, Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking

    • 6th Place, Congressional Debate

    • Outstanding Congressional Debate Presiding Officer

  • Arya Gurumukhi – 4th Place, Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking

  • Ishika Kothari – 5th Place, Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking

  • Tarwat Chowdhury – 5th Place, Impromptu Speaking

  • Swathi Parameshwar – 6th Place, Informative Speaking

  • Sahana Thasma – 9th Place, Congressional Debate

Plano Senior High School


Plano Senior High Speech and Debate team with Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra (left) and Fine Arts Coordinator Cassidy McQuiston (far right)

Coach: Robert Shepard

Plano Senior High secured an 8th place overall sweepstakes award, with stellar performances led by multiple finalists and a top overall individual competitor:

  • Sahith Reddy –

    • State Champion (1st Place), Informative Speaking

    • 2nd Place, Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking

    • 3rd Place Overall Competitor (out of 2,500 students)

  • Esther Jesse – 2nd Place, Program Oral Interpretation

  • Linsey Zhao – 8th Place, Congressional Debate

  • Lawson LaBlanc – 12th Place, Congressional Debate

These exceptional students demonstrated not only talent and poise but also the ability to rise to the occasion under pressure. Their achievements reflect the strength of Plano ISD's commitment to cultivating confident communicators, critical thinkers and future leaders.

Congratulations to all our students, coaches and campuses for this outstanding representation at TFA State!