A number of Wellington speech and debate students received accolades at the 2026 Florida Forensic League State Championship Tournament in Orlando March 6-8.
Izzy Parissos became the first-ever Wellington Speech & Debate Team competitor to advance to the final round in multiple events at a state championship tournament, placing in the Top 6 in the state in both Humorous Interpretation and After Dinner Speaking.
Jazzlyn Capellan advanced to the quarterfinal round in Original Oratory.
In Congressional Debate, three students – Leonardo Fernandez Castillo, Riley Hidalgo-Gato, and Aliah Oliva – represented the Red Dawn Debaters in semifinals. In addition, Wellington legislators took home more Presiding Officer gavels than any other school at the tournament, with five. Taking home gavels were Leonardo Fernandez Castillo, Riley Hidalgo-Gato, Aliah Oliva, Elisa Syla, and Richard Tanton.