Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Salem City School Board recognized Salem High School speech and debate coach Mark Ingerson during its Feb. 10 meeting following his selection to the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame.
Ingerson has led the Salem High School program for 23 years, coaching 20 VHSL state championship teams and helping build one of the nation’s most successful speech and debate programs. Salem’s speech team has won a state-record 19 consecutive VHSL state titles, and students under his direction have earned 103 individual state championships along with numerous runner-up finishes, according to information shared during the meeting.
Salem’s debate teams have also won state championships and have regularly placed at regional and super-regional competitions.
Ingerson’s work has received national recognition. He was named Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations in both 2012 and 2025. Over his career, he has directed more than 100 tournaments and founded the Southwest Virginia Forensics League, an organization that has served thousands of students across the region.
School officials said Ingerson’s achievements reflect Salem High School’s tradition of excellence and his lasting impact on generations of students.
