Moorpark College Forensics Continues to Thrive in Virtual Competitions
The Californer/10132179

MOORPARK, Calif. - Californer -- The nationally recognized Moorpark College Forensics team has once again won the team championship in its division at the Phi Rho Pi National Championships, held April 6-11. This is the college's 11th national championship in forensics, or speech and debate. The team also competed at the California Community College Forensics Association State Championships in March.

"Of the 12 students who represented Moorpark College at the national championships, eight are new to the team this year, and to speech competitions of any kind," said Rolland Petrello, chair of the Communications and Media Arts Department and head forensics coach. "Six of those students are new to the team this semester. We have not met most of the team members in person, as everything we are doing--from recruiting and coaching to competitions--has taken place virtually. However, I think these students are a testament to how excellence can be achieved even under the most trying of conditions."

Due to the pandemic, all forensics completions for Moorpark College students have been conducted over Zoom. The results of the competitions are as follows:

More on The Californer

• SkylieCreates Redefines Meaningful Gifting with New Line of Handcrafted, Curated Gift Boxes
• Allstream Energy Partners Returns as a Media Partner for the 2026 API Inspection & Mechanical Integrity Summit in San Antonio
• NuGuard Launches AI Trust Platform to Close the Behavior Gap and Accelerate Secure Deployments
• The Moment After Death: New Novel Reveals What Happens After We Die - Backed by CIA Documents
• Nigiella Sativa, Black Cumin Oil, Therapeutic Properties, Dr.Pati, Abhay Kumar Pati, Biotechayur

Phi Rho Pi National Championships: Individual National Champions:
Alexandra Claunch (1st semester) – Gold medal in Dramatic Interpretation (also won a silver medal)
Annie Dilsizian (2nd year) – Gold medal in Informative Speaking (also won two bronze medals)
Jane Walgren (1st year) – Gold medal in Informative Speaking (also won two bronze medals)
Nicole Castro (2nd year) – Gold medal in Impromptu Speaking (also won two bronze medals)

Other national medalists include:
Christine Chragian (2nd year) – Two bronze medals
Kate Soto Gisler (2nd year) –Bronze medal
Maya Van Dien (1st semester) – Bronze medal
Samantha Endres (1st semester) – Bronze medal

California Community College Forensics Association State Championships: Individual State Champions:
Nicole Castro (2nd year) – Gold medal in Impromptu Speaking (also won a bronze medal)
Christine Chragian (2nd year) – Gold medal in International Public Debate
Jane Walgren (1st year) – Gold medal in Informative Speaking (also won a bronze medal)

More on The Californer

• Governor Newsom announces California nearly triples internet infrastructure ready to connect homes and businesses
• City of Long Beach to Open 1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule After 50 Years Underground
• California Film and Television Tax Credit awardees secure 79 Emmy nominations
• Shadowridge Montessori School Wins Top Honors in 2026 Best of North County Awards
• A Revolution in the Global Lottery Industry

Natalie Esposito (1st semester) – Gold medal in Dramatic Interpretation

Other state medalists and team members include:
Annie Dilsizian (2nd year) – Silver and bronze medals
Erin Van Vuren (1st year) – Silver and bronze medals
Alexandra Claunch (1st semester) – Silver and bronze medals
Kate Soto Gisler (2nd year) Silver medal
Maya Van Dien (1st semester) – Silver medal
Alia Leavitt (1st semester) – Bronze medal
Alexis Sapon (1st semester)
Samantha Endres (1st semester)
Christopher Ojeda (1st semester)

A showcase performance of the Moorpark College Forensics team will be livestreamed on YouTube--https://youtu.be/x6dU0SaFoa8--at 6 p.m. on May 7.



For more information on the team, or Communication Studies program, contact Petrello at (805) 553-4689 or rpetrello@vcccd.edu.