Peoria Students Shine at National Speech and Debate Tournament with Multiple Awards

The Peoria City Council convened on July 22, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, beginning with a heartfelt proclamation honoring local students from Peoria Public Schools District 150. These students, representing Title 1 schools, recently competed in the National Speech and Debate Association's Middle School National Tournament, achieving notable success against thousands of competitors from across the nation.

The proclamation highlighted the achievements of students from Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center, Sterling Middle School, and Trewin School. Among the accolades were an octo-finalist in declamation and a quarter-finalist in storytelling from Annie Jo Gordon, as well as two fifth-place finishes in original oratory and declamation from Sterling Middle School. The standout achievement was a national championship in Humorous Interpretation awarded to Tree Nguyen from Trewin School.

Mariela Garcia Alvarado, the senior director guiding these students, emphasized the importance of speech and debate as a tool for personal growth and resilience, particularly for students facing socioeconomic challenges. She expressed gratitude to the community, parents, and coaches for their support, underscoring that the program aims to foster a growth mindset rather than merely focusing on winning.

Following the proclamation, several students took the opportunity to express their gratitude to their families and coaches, sharing their experiences and the impact of the program on their lives. The students' heartfelt speeches highlighted the supportive environment cultivated by their coaches and the community.

In a somber moment, the council acknowledged the passing of former city council member Nat Ladoux, who served from 1991 to 1995. His contributions to the council and the community were recognized, and a moment of silence was observed in his memory.

The meeting proceeded with the approval of minutes from a previous joint meeting, which passed unanimously. The council then moved on to the consent agenda, continuing with the structured flow of the meeting.

Overall, the session underscored the council's commitment to recognizing local achievements and honoring community members, while also addressing procedural matters essential to city governance.