The Sage Hill Debate team proved they’re worth watching in a highly competitive league and national association that includes 8,000 schools across the country. Freshman Joshua Cheadle won first place in one-on-one individual debate while Jack Renton and Maya Jaffe took fourth place and ninth place, respectively, at the Orange County Speech League Novice Tournament in La Habra on October 10.

In the team competition, Sage Hill fielded three teams including second-place winners: Jake Laven and Henry Lavacude-Cola. Erick Frankel and Priya Kamdar placed ninth; and Sarah Saboorian and Stephan Ko placed thirteenth.

Debate team faculty advisor and Latin teacher Thomas Smith said this most recent event was specifically designed for any students who have not previously participated in a novice tournament within the league. “Our students performed amazingly well. They loved the competition and everyone left with a smile on their face,” he said.

Smith is looking for more students to join the Sage Hill Debate Team. Currently, about 22 students consistently participate but anyone who is interested in debate is welcome. “Debate allows students to be competitive with one another and express their passion for specific topics while they develop logic and reasoning skills,” said Smith. This year, the debate team includes seasoned debaters who have won top awards in middle school debate leagues and competed at the national level. The team has its eye on regional, state, and national competitions and is currently preparing for the next event slated for November 14.

Volunteers wanted
Volunteers are needed to judge debate competitions because teams must supply a certain number of judges or the number of students who participate may be capped. Interested volunteers can contact Thomas Smith at smitht@sagehillschool.org for more information.