Evan Cass, a student at St. Francis Catholic School, has become the first student from the city to qualify for the Optimist International World Oratorical Championships.

Ukiah High School sophomore Amaya Upchurch advanced to the California State Finals of the Lions Club Student Speakers Contest, earning a shot at a $21,000 scholarship and statewide recognition.

More than 6,300 of the nation's top high school speakers are headed to Des Moines next week for the National Speech & Debate ...