Solon Students Win Awards At Speech & Debate Tournament

SOLON, OH — The Solon High School Speech & Debate team claimed a top five finish during the 2021 National Individual Events Tournament of Champions (NIETOC). Several students also claimed individual awards during the competition.

“The NIETOC tournament was a great opportunity for our students to see how they stacked up against the top speakers in the nation and gain feedback on how they could improve leading up to National Speech & Debate Association’s National Tournament,” said Dan Ceci, advisor for Solon’s Speech & Debate team. “I am so proud of the continued hard work and commitment the Solon Speech & Debate students have exhibited in the midst of the pandemic and virtual season.”

Vikram Sundaram, soon to be a junior at Solon High, earned fifth place in the nation in Extemporaneous Speaking.

“Vikram is a very talented speaker, but he also is a hard worker who is dedicated to continuous improvement. We are all so proud of his accomplishments,” Ceci said.

In addition to Vikram, seven other Solon students advanced to the elimination rounds in the NIETOC tournament:

• Nandana Ahuja, semifinalist (Top 12), in Humorous Interpretation
• Dev Ahuja, semifinalist (Top 12), in Extemporaneous Speaking
• Pinak Chitnis, quarterfinalist (Top 30), in Extemporaneous Speaking
• Mira Atwah and Tyler Murray, octafinalist (Top 60), in Duo Interpretation
• Aditya Kalahasti, octafinalist (Top 60), in Extemporaneous Speaking
• Olivia Heus, octafinalist (Top 60), in Dramatic Interpretation

To compete in the tournament, students earned bids by advancing to elimination rounds at national circuit tournaments or placed in the final round of the state tournament.

“This tournament really showcases the top performers from across the country,” Mr. Ceci added.

The Solon team is competing virtually this week in the National Speech & Debate Association’s National Tournament.