Santa Ana High School Wins Orange County Speech League OC Championship

The Santa Ana High School Speech and Debate team clinched first place at the Orange County Speech League OC Championships held earlier this month naming the team the new Orange County Champion.

Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) boasted six of the Orange County League Champions. Other winners included Advanced Learning Academy and Godinez Fundamental High School which both tied for second place, and Middle College High School came in fourth place. 

Participating high schools included Fullerton, Northwood, Fairmont Preparatory Academy, Sunny Hills, Troy, Yorba Linda, Valencia, Sage Hill, Cypress, Oxford Academy, Beckman, Troy, University, Mater Dei, Orange County High School of the Arts and Portola.

Overall, SAUSD students placed very well and showed the league that SAUSD has the best high school programs in the county. Four of the top five schools were SAUSD schools. Prior to this year, Fullerton High School held the champion title for 16 years. 

“My old Fullerton team knew this day was coming, and this tournament showed the day was here! SAUSD came and conquered. We have a new sheriff in town and their name is Santa Ana High School!” said Sal Tinajero, a program specialist who leads the national award-winning program.

SAUSD started its districtwide speech and debate program in 2016. It has since grown to include over 1,000 students districtwide at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. 

For the latest news and updates on SAUSD’s Speech and Debate program, visit the Santa Ana Unified Speech and Debate Facebook page.