Finding Your Voice: Speech & Debate in Middle School
Tue Feb 03 2026
In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we’re diving into speech and debate in middle school, one of the most powerful ways students build confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and learn how to communicate respectfully, even when perspectives differ.
Joining us are Jay Ashiknos, a teacher at Lakeridge Middle School, and Connor Rozgo, a seventh grader experiencing speech and debate firsthand. Together, they share what speech and debate looks like in middle school classrooms, why it resonates with students, and how it supports skills that extend far beyond the podium. Tune in to hear how students are learning to think deeply, speak confidently, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Jay Ashkinos, Teacher, Lakeridge Middle School
Connor Rozgo, Student, Lakeridge Middle School
To learn more about the topics we discussed, ask a question, or share ideas for future episodes, please visit LOSDSchools. org. And remember to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for engaging with Learning in Lake Oswego. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us for our next episode.
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In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we’re diving into speech and debate in middle school, one of the most powerful ways students build confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and learn how to communicate respectfully, even when perspectives differ. Joining us are Jay Ashiknos, a teacher at Lakeridge Middle School, and Connor Rozgo, a seventh grader experiencing speech and debate firsthand. Together, they share what speech and debate looks like in middle school classrooms, why it resonates with students, and how it supports skills that extend far beyond the podium. Tune in to hear how students are learning to think deeply, speak confidently, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD Jay Ashkinos, Teacher, Lakeridge Middle School Connor Rozgo, Student, Lakeridge Middle School To learn more about the topics we discussed, ask a question, or share ideas for future episodes, please visit LOSDSchools. org. And remember to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for engaging with Learning in Lake Oswego. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us for our next episode.