Why I’m Sharing This Video
One of the core tenets of Speech and Debate is that knowledge is power. It allows us to have informed beliefs, to reassure others and ourselves during times of crisis and to honor the courage of so many in the midst of uncertainty such as the incident this afternoon at the NSDA 2025 National Tournament.
After being able to process the events, I want to make it clear that what happened today was frightening. It was real.
And for 10-15 minutes, hundreds of people reacted to what felt like the only imaginable outcome. It would be a lie to say that such events are unimaginable.
In a time where schools across the country conduct active shooter drills, where teachers are taught how to tourniquet major wounds and plan for the sad reality of modern violence it doesn’t make sense to say things like ‘there was no way to know’.
So many NSDA coaches lived through the tragedies in Jonesboro and Columbine, uncountable association judges watched as horror unfolded at Virginia Tech. The stories continue from Sandyhook to Stoneman Douglas to Uvalde.
We no longer react only to what is. We respond to what could have been.
Today we reacted to both. We saw hundreds of kids evacuate in terror. Streets lined with flashing lights and armed police. Crying children. Crying adults. Parents were thankful the voice on the other line was their child.
Now, the news of the incident has gone viral. And the trauma of all the above violence has resurfaced inside each person.
I share this video to provide clarity to those who were not in the room. Because so many coaches and students who I respect, love and cherish were in that room. I was in the room. In times like today, fear travels faster than truth. The reaction of the crowd was swift and emotional because we have seen this before and knew how to react.
I also share this video with pride. Because in the middle of the chaos, Arkansas educators, my friends, my colleagues, acted with purpose.
They shielded students, they picked up students who were being trampled, they directed the chaos to safety, they helped the helpless.
It proved that we are trained professionals. It shows what we all already know that our love for our students matter when it counts most. We will always do what it takes to protect them. And we will stand up and do the right thing when it matters the most.
Every person processes crises differently. So many are shaken. Those who ran might be feeling guilt. Those who froze might question themselves. There are hundreds who are trying to understand it all.
Many are even feeling anger and will lash out.
These are all valid responses and deserve understanding and empathy.
This was scary.
But we got through it together.
We are Arkansas. And when the moment came, we were exactly who we needed to be.
I am proud of our District,
Eric Gamble
Arkansas District of NSDA
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Hello we are the Arkansas District of the National Speech and Debate Association. Established 2012.
Good evening,
I want to take a moment to share the information I have at this time.
This afternoon, following the performance of the 5th speaker in HI Finals, an individual climbed onto the stage in front of a ballroom filled with students. He asked ‘do you want to hear a joke? Knock, Knock
Then turned around and began to fumble with and reach into a bag, at which point someone with access to a microphone said, “Run.”
Chaos erupted immediately, with hundreds of Nationals attendees attempting to exit the ballroom at once.
The Des Moines Police responded promptly. They confirmed the individual was apprehended and did not have a weapon.
As a result, competition has been suspended until tomorrow.
After reaching safety, I contacted members of the Arkansas community and have continued updating this page as they respond.
Thank you for the continued thoughts and prayers.
— Eric Gamble
06/19/2025
Awaiting word from all schools.
-Russellville safe
-Conway safe
-Cabot safe
-SOI safe
-Fayetteville safe
-Jonesboro safe
-Bentonville safe
-Bentonville west safe
-Har ber safe
-Episcopal safe
Emergency at the expo center.
Please tab yourself of you are safe
04/24/2025
🏆 Har-Ber’s Aaron Oesterle is Nationals Bound! 🏆
Earning a spot at NSDA Nationals in Senate Debate is incredibly difficult. This year, Aaron Oesterle has demonstrated all of these skills, securing his place among the best in the nation!
🔥 Top Placement – Cabot
🥈 2nd Place – Bentonville
Aaron has competed at the highest level all season, standing out in intense rounds and proving his excellence in Congressional Debate.
We are incredibly proud of his growth, dedication, and competitive success. Now, it’s time to take on the NSDA National Stage!
👏 Congratulations, Aaron! Time to represent Har-Ber and show what you can do at Nationals! 💪🔥
04/22/2025
Qualifying for NSDA Nationals in Senate Debate is an incredible achievement, requiring a deep understanding of policy, strong rhetorical skills, and the ability to stand out in a highly competitive chamber. This year, Kendall Cloar has done just that, proving to be a standout competitor in Congressional Debate across multiple tournaments.
🔥 Dominated at the ACTAA Student Congress Event
🔥 Excelled at Multiple Invitational Tournaments
Kendall’s journey to Nationals has been nothing short of remarkable. From the state-level ACTAA Student Congress event to performing exceptionally at invitationals, Kendall has shown dedication, growth, and a commanding presence in debate rounds.
LRC is incredibly proud to have Kendall representing at NSDA Nationals. This qualification is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the ability to lead in high-level debate.
👏 Congratulations, Kendall! Time to take on Nationals and showcase your skills on the biggest stage! 💪🔥
04/16/2025
🏆 What It Means to Qualify for Nationals in House Debate – Featuring Russellville’s Mallory Cloud! 🏆
Qualifying for NSDA Nationals in House Debate is a huge deal! It takes strong speaking skills, quick thinking, and the ability to lead discussions on big issues. In Congressional Debate, you don’t just give speeches—you work with others, respond on the spot, and show leadership in every round. Success comes from staying consistent and standing out as a thoughtful, confident speaker.
This year, Russellville’s Mallory Cloud did just that. She battled through tough rounds, showed off her knowledge and poise, and earned her spot at NSDA Nationals!
🔥 4th Place – Bentonville
🔥 4th Place – District House
Mallory’s hard work, growth, and determination helped her rise above strong competition and secure her place among the top debaters in the district. Her success is well-earned, and we’re excited to cheer her on as she heads to Nationals!
👏 Congratulations, Mallory! Time to make your mark at NSDA Nationals!
04/14/2025
🏆 Har-Ber’s Samuel Meyers is Nationals Bound—Again! 🏆
Qualifying for NSDA Nationals in House Congressional Debate is an incredible accomplishment—and Samuel Meyers has done it for the second year in a row!
House debate demands more than just strong speaking skills. Competitors must stand out in a room full of sharp minds, responding to spontaneous arguments, analyzing legislation in real time, and earning the respect of both judges and peers. It’s a test of poise, preparation, and presence, and Sam has consistently risen to that challenge.
🔥 3rd Place – Conway Classy
🔥 #3 Ranked in the House
Last year, Sam earned his way to Nationals as an alternate in the Senate, and proved he belonged among the nation’s best. This year, he left no doubt—qualifying outright and securing his place as one of the district’s top House debaters.
We are incredibly proud of Sam’s growth, leadership, and competitive spirit. His hard work has paid off, and now it’s time to take on the national stage once again!
👏 Congratulations, Sam! Let’s go make waves at NSDA Nationals! 💪🔥
04/11/2025
🏆 Don Tyson’s Dara Cuenca is Nationals Bound—three years in a row! 🏆
Qualifying for NSDA Nationals in Senate Debate is an incredible accomplishment, and Dara Cuenca has once again secured a spot among the nation’s best.
Dara has consistently ranked amongst the best Congressional debaters in Arkansas for the past three years. This year a few of her accomplishments were:
🔥 1st Place – Bentonville�🔥 #2 Ranked in the House
Last year, Dara fought her way to Nationals as an alternate, proving she could compete on the biggest stage. This year, she’s earned her place outright, (as she did in 2023) solidifying her status as a all-time great debater in the district.
Her journey is one of growth, determination, and excellence, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her return to Nationals, IN THE HOUSE!
👏 Congratulations, Dara! Your hard work has paid off—now it’s time to take on NSDA Nationals! 🔥💪
04/10/2025
🏆 Episcopal Collegiate’s Matthew Collins is Nationals Bound—Again! 🏆
Qualifying for NSDA Nationals in House Debate is no small feat, and Matthew Collins has done it in dominant fashion.
This is Matthews 3rd time representing Arkansas in the House at Nationals.
🔥 1st Place – LRC
🔥 #1 Ranked in the House by a Wide Margin
This year, Matthew didn’t just meet that challenge of qualification —he set the standard.
As the top-ranked competitor in his chamber, he has solidified his place among the best, showcasing unmatched skill, confidence, and command of the debate floor.
House debate is about more than just winning rounds—it’s about growth, resilience, and competing at the highest level. Matthew has faced intense competition, honed his craft, and now stands at the top of the district. Episcopal Collegiate could not be prouder to see him return to Nationals.
👏 Congratulations, Matthew! Time to make NSDA Nationals yours! 🔥💪
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