Several Forensic Union members performed well at The Belmont School Hill School Invitational Debate Tournament Sunday, April 22 in Belmont, Mass.
KO Junior Caley Henderson of West Hartford won the gavel for first place advanced negative speaker, while senior Nicole Wetsman of West Hartford won the gavel for second place advanced negative speaker.
In the novice division, KO freshmen Becca Goldman of West Hartford and Lina Volin of South Glastonbury tied for second place novice negative pair. Classmates Areesha Irfan of Farmington and Ryan Wetsman of West Hartford tied for third place novice negative pair.
The tournament featured Oregon-style debate, which is prepared cross-examination debate with pairs debating on one side of the resolution. This year’s resolution was: “The U.S. government should deny all federal funds to any institution of higher learning that considers race or ethnicity in the admissions process.”
KO Forensic Union coach Kathy Lynch said preparation was important. “Needless to say, the topic was complex, requiring hours of research and analysis for both sides. Happily, our team’s preparation and thoughtfulness paid off.”
Ten Debating Association of New England Independent School teams competed in the tournament: Belmont Hill, Choate, Exeter, Governor’s, Groton, KO, Loomis, Roxbury Latin, St. Sebastian’s and Winsor.
