A group of students from Imperil Valley schools earned top awards in the 12th Annual California Department of Education Migrant Education Program State Speech and Debate Competition.

Students representing Brawley Elementary and Brawley High School Districts, Heber Elementary School District, Southwest High School and Holtville Unified School District, competing against 315 students from throughout California,  earned 1st, 2nd and 3rd-place trophies in both Prepared and Extemporaneous Speech competitions. Local students also earned outstanding results in Debate with first place titles in Middle School and High School divisions. The students will be recognized at the Imperial County Office of Education Board meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026.