Congratulations to Jessica Sanchez of James River High for being named Virginia’s winner of the Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator Award. The National Federation of State High School Associations selected only 15 people for 2025-26 state awards.
Sanchez joined the James River High faculty in 2012 and started with the speech and debate team in 2015 as an assistant coach.
Her award citation states: Jessica Sanchez has transformed speech and debate at James River High School, building a nationally recognized program while serving as NSDA district chair and VAFTDC president. She teaches … dual enrollment public speaking, mentors new coaches and hosts major tournaments, including NSDA nationals in Richmond. A two-time Virginia Forensics Coach of the Year and NSDA District Coach of the Year, she exemplifies leadership, innovation and dedication to empowering student voices.
Here are some highlights from James River High speech and debate:
James River High has won the regional tournament every year since 2017 and the super regional tournament each year since 2018.
The team has earned a total of five VHSL state titles. Last year, James River High achieved a three-peat and “this year we hope to have four in a row,” Sanchez said.
Five years ago, James River began qualifying multiple students for the annual national tournament. “In fact, our first district champion was my own daughter who now coaches at Monacan,” Sanchez said, adding that her son and another James River High alum are assistant coaches for Monacan — and her son also assists at James River.
Summing up her accomplishments, Sanchez said, “In all honesty, the brightest highlight isn’t the trophies and titles but the students and their parents taking the time to share how much speech has changed their lives and prepared them for a fulfilling, successful future of their choosing.”