Top left: Riley Perantoni and Benjamin Bentley. Top right: Event judges with students Issac Tindol, Victoria Currier, and Mckenna Harrell. Center left: Ayden Patel, Katrina Maurer, Jozlynn Schreiber, Hazel Rambeau, Rubye Loye, Ashlynn Vuittonet, Landon Walker, Marin Garcia, and Quinn Ripley. Center right: Olivia Underwood and Madison Rabens. Bottom left: Daniel Belliveau, Isaac Tindol, Katrina Maurer, Victoria Currier, Ayden Patel, Tucker Wells, Landon Walker, Yeshaia James, Ashlynn Vuittonet, Rubye Loy, Marin Garcia, Leah List, Aubrey Williams, and Makenna Harrell. Bottom right: Benjamin Bentley, and Cathy Butler.
The Pensacola State College (PSC) Charter Academy Speech and Debate team made waves in the competitive speaking world for the 2024-2025 season. With unwavering determination, months of dedicated practice, and a passion for public speaking, these students have shown they are a force to be reckoned with—and their journey is just beginning.
The Charter Academy Speech and Debate Team made a remarkable debut at the Incubate Debate Fall Tournament. Riley Perantoni, Olivia Underwood, Benjamin Bentley, and Mya Cook represented the school with standout performances—Olivia earned the title of Overall Speech Champion with a powerful, personal reflection on the First Amendment, while Riley was named Overall Debate Champion. Their victories secured both students a spot at the Incubate National Meet at the New College of Florida. The team’s momentum continued into the new year, with Benjamin Bentley taking home the title of Overall Debate Champion at the Incubate Winter Tournament, further cementing the Charter Academy’s rising presence in the competitive circuit.
Charter Academy students also took part in the American Legion Oratorical Speech Competition, a contest designed to deepen students’ understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Participants were required to deliver a prepared speech lasting 8 to 10 minutes, followed by an impromptu 3 to 5-minute speech based on a randomly selected constitutional amendment. Senior Benjamin Bentley earned 1st place, while Rubye Loye and Ashlynn Vuittonet, both freshmen, placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in the school-level competition. Their outstanding performances reflected not only their public speaking skills but also their admiration for constitutional values.
Beyond their competitive triumphs, students at the Charter Academy continued showcasing their talents at the Gulf Breeze Oratorical Contest. The challenge was to deliver a speech reflecting on personal resilience and the power of optimism. But this wasn’t just another competition—it was an opportunity for students to embrace vulnerability, share their personal journeys, and forge connections. After months of perfecting their speeches, thirteen students took the stage to deliver heartfelt and inspiring stories. In the end, Mckenna Harrell took third place, Victoria Currier secured second, and Isaac Tindol placed first.
With an extraordinary season behind them and even greater opportunities ahead, the Pensacola State College Charter Academy Speech and Debate team has proven that words have the power to inspire, influence, and leave a lasting impact. As they set their sights on future competitions, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning of their incredible journey.