Rdale Debate shines at 2026 MSHSL State Tournament

Students from Armstrong High School (AHS) and Cooper High School (CHS) delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 MSHSL State Debate Tournament Jan. 15-16, 2026.

In Congressional Debate, CHS senior Lily Plahn won the State Championship, earning repeat state titles after her 2025 win. Fellow CHS senior Tessa Lenoch also had a strong showing, finishing in sixth place, improving on her seventh place finish in the 2025 tournament.

Representing AHS, senior Alison Wandmacher competed in her third consecutive state tournament, and finished in fourth place. Senior Raina Nehreen of AHS advanced to the final round and earned finalist honors in the event.

In the Lincoln-Douglas Debate event, AHS senior Ella Wiltzius advanced to the quarterfinal round, where her impressive run at the state’s highest level of competition ended.

Lenoch, Plahn and Wandmacher were all additionally recognized by the Minnesota Debate Teachers Association (MDTA), being named MDTA All-State Debate honorees. This marks the third consecutive All-State selection for Plahn and Wandmacher, and the second for Lenoch. Plahn and Wandmacher are among only five students in Minnesota history to All-State honors three times.

MDTA awarded its Student of the Year Runner-Up honor to Nehreen. The Student of the Year and Runner-Up awards recognize a student’s all-around excellence, including competitive achievement, community service, and contributions to team building.

Lenoch, Plahn and Wandmacher will now turn their focus to the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament, which will be held June 13-19 in Richmond, Virginia.