The Arcata High School Forensics team competed at the Ronald Reagan Debate Series competition in Redding on April 11, 2026. This competition marked the first time in decades that Arcata High has had a speech and debate team compete, and the AHS team is currently the only competitive high school team in Humboldt County.
AHS Forensics closed out the tournament, with both finalists being from Arcata High. Jovanna Herrera (senior) took second place, and Genevieve Caruso (senior) took first, and will be advancing to the national competition later this year. Maria Melesio, a junior at Arcata High, competed in the tournament as well. The team is coached by Professor Donaldson at Cal Poly Humboldt, and the school advisor is Ms. Kell at Arcata High School.