April 17, 2025
Luca Rosen Advances to the National Championship After Winning the California Regional Competition of the Ronald Reagan Debate Series
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2025
Luca Rosen Advances to the National Championship After Winning the California Regional Competition of the Ronald Reagan Debate Series
(Simi Valley, CA) The Reagan Foundation proudly announces Luca Rosen, a senior at Oaks
Christian School, as the winner of the California Regional Competition of the Ronald Reagan
Debate Series which was hosted on Saturday, April 5 at Oaks Christian School. This fiercely
contested event showcased the incredible talent and determination of local high school students who demonstrated exceptional skill in persuasive public speaking and respectful discourse.
Rosen’s commanding performance during the competition earned him a coveted spot at the
National Championship, to be held this July at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and
Museum in Simi Valley, California. He has also been awarded an all-expenses paid trip to the
National Championship for themselves and a chaperone, as well as the opportunity to compete for a share of $50,000 in scholarship money.
“It was a great experience with people from all over the state and I really had an amazing time learning to be a better communicator. I was inspired to compete in this competition style by my teacher, my coach, Mrs. Ahn. She told me it would be a great opportunity to improve my communication and dialogue skills, and it was just overall a great time,” remarked Rosen.
"Debate gives high school students the tools to think critically, speak with purpose, and lead with empathy—skills that transcend the classroom and shape future leaders,” said Erika Ahn, Debate and Mock Trial Coach and Global Leadership Institute Faculty at Oaks Christian School. “Hosting the Ronald Reagan Regional Debate Tournament is a privilege, not only because it honors President Reagan’s legacy of civility and conviction, but because his optimistic, persuasive style makes the issues approachable, the arguments engaging, and the learning unforgettable for our students."
The Ronald Reagan Debate Series is designed to foster respectful dialogue, critical thinking, and effective communication among high school students. Rosen exemplified these values during the regional competition, skillfully engaging with complex topics and presenting arguments with clarity and poise.
“Luca’s performance exemplified the essence of President Reagan’s legacy—demonstrating a
dedication to civil dialogue and fostering unity through shared understanding,” stated Dr. Richard Schroeder, Chief Education Programming Officer. “We are immensely proud to see him represent California in the National Championship this summer and extend our best wishes for their continued success.”
The Reagan Foundation congratulates Luca and all participants for their remarkable efforts.
For more information about the Ronald Reagan Debate Series, including upcoming events and
resources for students, please visit www.reaganfoundation.org/debate.
About the Ronald Reagan Debate Series
The Ronald Reagan Debate Series is an initiative by the Reagan Foundation to inspire the next
generation of leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and cultivate the skills necessary to solve the challenges of tomorrow. Through its competitions, the program emphasizes the values of respectful discourse, pragmatism, and thoughtful communication embodied by President Reagan.
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About the Reagan Foundation and Institute
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.
A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives. In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions.
An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew as Air Force One to 26 countries. Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Center. More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.