CCHS Speech & Debate Team earns national 100 Club Award

The Concord-Carlisle Regional School District announced that the Concord-Carlisle High School Speech & Debate Team has received the National Speech & Debate Association's 2026 100 Club Award, recognizing the team's achievements in competition, leadership and service during the 2025-26 school year.

The award letter from the association credited CCHS with at least 139 strength points last year, which qualified the team for membership in the 100 Club. Students earn points toward NSDA Honor Society status through competition, leadership and service.

The team began about eight years ago with a small group of students and has grown to draw about 30 students to twice-weekly meetings. The team also helps host qualifying tournaments and supports younger debaters through student mentorship.

"This success has always been a team effort," team adviser Agnes Han said. "It truly takes a village to build a successful team. Seeing students compete, serve their community, support one another and grow into confident communicators makes all of that effort incredibly rewarding."

Coach Tim Averill has led the team's growth from two students in its early days to more than 30 today, and the team has helped host NSDA qualifying tournaments for the past three years under his leadership. Parents Charles and Shannon Babu have helped organize tournaments and coordinate with families, and parent volunteers serve as tournament judges.

Last school year, Class of 2026 graduate Evan Moffitt helped lead the CCHS team while mentoring members of the newly formed Concord Middle School debate club; students he mentored are now captains of the high school team. A new group of student leaders took over this fall, with about 30 students regularly attending meetings during the first month of the school year.

"Our students put a great deal of time into preparing for tournaments, and they also make time to help younger students learn," said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. "We're proud of what they have accomplished and grateful to the coaches, advisers and families who make this program possible."

Source: Concord-Carlisle Regional School District announcement, October 20, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.