Waring Debate Competes at Harvard National Forensics Tournament
February 16, 2015
Fourteen members of the Waring Debate Society competed at the Harvard National Forensics Tournament, held on the weekend of February 14-16 in Cambridge, MA at Harvard University. The tournament was held despite incredibly challenging weather conditions that led to the cancellation of debates on Sunday, with final elimination rounds on Monday.
In Varsity Public Forum debate, Grace Panetta & Charlotte Bichet were in the top third of speakers and along with Linus Younger & Kate Vanier had records of two wins and two losses. Grace Panetta also earned her coveted “Triple Ruby” designation in the National Forensic League. Also debating in varsity were Henry Mitchell & Nat Lyman, Isaac Stuart & Sam Lincoln, and Jack Kelly & Bobby Malley.
In Junior Varsity Public Forum Debate, the team of Alice Sullivan & Sasha Malley had a record of two wins and one loss and finished in the top third of teams. Also debating in J-V were Sergei Franson & Sascha Denby.
Novice debater Stefan Karlberg volunteered to assist in the tabulation room and earned rave reviews for his efficiency, motivation, and execution of the tournament by locating ballots and judges. With over 1,300 students competing and over 350 judges, the tabulation room needed the help that Stefan so capably gave.
The trip to Harvard would not have been possible without the support of the 10 adults who judged, chaperoned, and assisted in logistics. They were Max Kelly, Rick Malley, Rob Stuart, Nicie Panetta, Bill Lincoln, Kate Harney, Erik Karlberg, Stephanie Bichet, Jill Sullivan, and Tim Averill. This was Tim’s 30th year of running the tabulation room at Harvard.
The debate team will continue its season with scrimmages with Landmark School and Manchester Essex Regional High School, as well as the Massachusetts State Debate Tournament on Saturday, March 28. Congratulations to the team on a very good season.