With a dozen Explorers competing, the debaters finished in the top 5 of every event we competed in. Especially impressive, the debaters extend their undefeated record in head-to-head competition against Belen in their primary debate event, Public Forum debate.

 

In Public Forum Debate, two teams competed short-handed, but still managed top 5 finishes. Typically a two-person event, Andres Cornide and Joseph Corradino (both sophomores) competed individually in Public Forum and defeated Belen's novices in the event. The students were discussing, for the final time, whether Europe should join China's Belt and Road initiative. Andres Cornide finished in 2nd place overall and Joseph Corradino finished in 5th place in Public Forum Debate.

 

In Student Congress, two debaters competed in separate chambers and both finished in 2nd place. In Chamber A, freshman Justin Marimon finished in 2nd place. While in Chamber C, junior Alexander La Roz finished in 2nd place overall. The students debated difficult legislation such as establishing a "Right to Be Forgotten" online, ending the Selective Service Act, and action in the Kashmir conflict.

 

In Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Alan Munschy finished off a good run on the standardized testing topic, with a 1-1 record and a 5th place finish. Also in Lincoln-Douglas, Lucas Hurley finished with a comparable 1-1 record, missing placing off speaker points.

 

The team switches topics for November and December and have their next competition in the Lone Star state, for The Hockaday School tournament in two weeks.