The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute Announces the Results of the 2026 Ronald Reagan Debate Series Championship

(Simi Valley, CA.) The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is proud to announce the results of the Ronald Reagan Debate Series Championship held at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. The topic, “Preserving monuments and memorials is essential to understanding America’s past,” sparked a spirited and engaging debate. On a two-to-one vote, Annabelle Fernandez from Pembroke Hill School in Missouri was named the Champion.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition. I’m grateful to everyone who challenged and encouraged me along the way, and it’s a privilege to be part of a competition that celebrates the power of thoughtful communication,” said Fernandez after the final round.

Each of the 16 finalists received an all-expenses-paid trip, sponsored by the Guenther Family Foundation, to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley, California, where they competed for the top spot and a share of $50,000 in scholarships endowed by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

The Ronald Reagan Debate Series is a premier national speech and debate tour, featuring a blend of in-person regional competitions and online events, culminating in a prestigious national tournament held in Simi Valley, CA.

The final rounds featured a distinguished judging panel representing leaders in education, philanthropy, and business: Joe Schmidt, Executive Director of K–12 Education at Colonial Williamsburg, and Sonia Moldovan, Vice President of Strategy and Programs at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, joined by an audience vote from attendees.

“Bringing the nation’s most talented young communicators to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is one of the highlights of our year,” said Dr. Richard Schroeder, Chief Education Programming Officer at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. “These students have distinguished themselves through thoughtful analysis, respectful dialogue, and exceptional communication skills. As they debate in a place dedicated to the legacy of President Reagan, we hope they leave not only as stronger competitors, but as leaders who understand the importance of listening, engaging differing viewpoints, and leading with conviction and civility.”

Congratulations to our 2026 finalists and their high schools. Learn more about the Ronald Reagan Debate Series at www.reaganfoundation.org/debate. 

To see the final round of debate and the awards ceremony introducing each debater, view it on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/live/kk6Q1qcxWzg?si=ZL4lk5t2_upaj_aP.

$15,000 Scholarship Recipient
Annabelle Fernandez
Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City, MO

$10,000 Scholarship Recipient
Harrison Shirey
Strawberry Crest High School
Tampa, Florida

$8,000 Scholarship Recipient
Jake Apelt
Collegiate School
Richmond, VA

$5,000 Scholarship Recipient
Rohan Radharaj
West Ranch High School
Steel Ranch, CA

$3,125 Scholarship Recipients
Pat Buck
Homeschool
Eagle, WI

Genevieve Caruso
Arcata High School
Bayside, CA

Jonathan Paul
Aristos Academy
Greenville, NC

Matthew Stevenson
Rockhill High School
McKinney, TX

Additional Finalists

Jeremy Ashton - Salem Hills High School - Elk Ridge, UT

Sol Bosio - Sylvania Northview High School - Sylvania, OH

Allen Chen - Northwood High School - Irvine, CA

Joshua Davis - Davis Homeschool - Prosper, TX

Megan Ing - Punahou School - Honolulu, HI

Seamus McDonald - McDonald Homeschool - Mashpee, MA

Gavyn Purvis - Ponce de Leon High School - Westville, FL

Angelina Ruggeroli - Palo Verde High School - Las Vegas, NV

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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, scholarly initiatives, and distinctive educational programs shaping the perspectives of middle, high school, and college students.

In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library. A leading cultural institution, RRPFI houses a remarkable 125,000 square foot museum with unique historical pieces that tell the story of Ronald Reagan’s life, presidency, and enduring impact, and hosts world-class special exhibitions.