Benicia High debate team, coaches honored; coaches ask district to embed program

The Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees honored Benicia High School's award-winning speech-and-debate team and its coaches and heard coaches and students ask the board to find sustainable funding and staffing for the program.

Principal Brianna Klein Schmidt introduced the debaters and coaches. Coach Michelle Gaines described the program's growth from a class to a competitive team and credited a local network and a Diablo Valley College connection with helping students compete beyond the region. "I started the debate team 7 years ago ... it was inspired by a class," Gaines said, describing students who have earned college scholarships and national recognition.

Coach Tim Knox, who said he works in Sacramento and has continued to coach, and student speakers Cozette Calderon and Daniel Delgado addressed trustees. Calderon, a senior and team captain, reflected on debate's role in building confidence and relationships: "I've learned that my self worth is way more than a stupid plastic trophy I could ever win," she said. Student Daniel Delgado highlighted the sport's emphasis on civility in parliamentary debate.

Coaches requested that the district value the program by embedding it formally — for example, budgeting stipends, supporting a middle-school stipend, or embedding the program into staffing so it will continue when long-time volunteers retire. Gaines said the program now includes a new middle-school team coached by an alum and that the program is headed to nationals.

Board members and the superintendent thanked the coaches and students and congratulated the team. No formal action was taken.