News release
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced that Rohan Radharaj, of West Ranch High School, has won the Southern California Regional Invitational of the Ronald Reagan Debate Series, held March 7 at Oaks Christian School in Thousand Oaks.
The regional event brought together outstanding high school students from across Southern California to demonstrate excellence in persuasive public speaking, critical thinking and civil discourse, said a news release from the foundation.
“After multiple rounds of rigorous debate, Rohan emerged as regional champion. With this victory, Rohan has earned a coveted spot at the National Championship, to be held this July at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute,” the release said.
As regional champion, he will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the nationals and the opportunity to compete for a share of $50,000 in scholarship awards.
The Ronald Reagan Debate Series is designed to cultivate respectful dialogue, intellectual rigor, and principled leadership in the next generation, the release said. Throughout the Southern California Regional, students were evaluated not only on the strength of the arguments, but also on their ability to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with opposing viewpoints.
Richard Schroeder, chief education programming officer of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, emphasized the program’s mission: “The Ronald Reagan Debate Series is about teaching students how to engage with ideas thoughtfully and respectfully. The level of preparation, composure and intellectual depth displayed at this regional competition reflects exactly the kind of future leadership our country needs.”
“It feels awesome to compete in the Reagan Debate,” Radharaj said in the release. “I’m more excited about competing at the Reagan Library. President Reagan is a huge inspiration of mine, so to think that in a couple of months I’m going to be at a podium on the shiny city on the hill is super exciting.”
In recognition of their performances, additional students were awarded scholarships at the Southern California Regional Invitational. Second, third and fourth places all went to students of Oaks Christian School: Patrick Udomphornvirat, Sam Kazemi and Misha Marcinko.
The final round was evaluated by a panel of judges representing leaders in education, business and public service.
For more information about the Ronald Reagan Debate Series, including upcoming events and resources for students, visit www.reaganfoundation.org/debate.
