Debate Team Overview, Accomplishments and Thank you

This year arguing and yelling could be heard ringing through the halls after-school but there was no need to call Mr. Chace. For the first time in recent memory, EGHS formed a Parliamentary Debate team. Students would practice after-school and during advisory to learn a completely new format of arguing and explaining a case. Most schools that complete at the RIFL (RI Forensics League) level have two levels of teams (novice and varsity) but, because this was EGHS’s first year, there were no seasoned veterans to help our new recruits. The teams that were sent to tournaments this year were quote impressive – finishing in the top third of various tournaments. “It’s a whole new experience,” said sophomore Zack Johnson. “At first I started competing because my English teacher was the advisor but, after a while, I became as excited for tournaments in Debate as I would be for a varsity sport,” said Yash Dhuri. Mr. Penza was impressed and awed by his team’s performance during the tournament season.

All of the team’s success was a prelude for the RI State Debate Tournament. Only teams that had placed in the top third of the previous tournaments were allowed to enter. The weeks leading to the RI States were full of last minute planning and case construction for the six teams that qualified to debate. At the end of the tournament East Greenwich High School placed five speakers and four teams. Out of fifty two teams competing Jeremey Bernard – Sasges and Giulio Cataldo: 15th overall, Cam Cianciolo and Alec Gannon:14th overall, Yash Dhuri and Zack Johnson 10th overall, and Katie Allen and Katie Hollingsworth 6th overall. Out of 105 speakers Zack Johnson 17th overall, Giulio Cataldo 14th overall, Yash Dhuri 11th overall, Alec Gannon 7th overall, and Katie Hollingsworth 6th overall.

Mr. Penza and the EG Debate team would like to thank all of the parents who volunteered to help the team with rides, judging, and hosting the end of the year celebration.  Even though the season is over the team is still holding practices Mondays after school – all are welcome. Any parent/teacher/alumni interested in being a judge next year should contact Mike Penza at mpenza@egsd.net.