On Sept. 10, the debate team competed at the teaching tournament in West Hardin. All four members of the team that went placed in their respective chambers. Ace Vandervoort placed third and Cole Watson placed sixth in the varsity chamber. In the junior varsity chamber, Sarah Howell and Madison McGuire placed third. This competition was one of many ways to prepare the team for the debate season this year.

“We are going to several teaching tournaments, have debate coaches coming to help us refine our skills and then will be going to several invitationals,” debate coach Michelle Courmier said. “We also work both in and out of class to prepare cases and practice the speeches for LD and CX. For Congress we work to refine our responses to the legislation and counter other responses.”

As with all activities, the team has goals for the season. All of this preparation is in order to help them achieve these goals.

“The goal for this season is to have everyone advance to Region,” Courmier said. “Last year we almost swept district for Persuasive and Informative Speaking, taking five out of the six spots. This year we want all six, and to advance in LD, CX, and Congress. Ultimately, we want to advance to the state level as well.”