KO Debaters Excel in Canadian Competition; One Qualifies for World Event

Three juniors from Kingswood Oxford School performed extremely well at a prestigious international debate competition in October, and one qualified to go on to the World level in Lithuania next Spring.

Julianne DeAngelo ’15 of Weatogue, Katherine Smith ’15 of West Hartford, and Lina Volin ’15 of Glastonbury traveled with Beth Repp, the assistant coach of KO’s Forensic Union, to The Country Day School in Ontario, Canada, from Oct. 17-20. They competed in the International Independent Schools' Public Speaking Championships.

Volin was named one of the six best American debaters (out of 155 students from seven different countries), and the KO team placed in the top 20 out of 47 schools.

"Strong communication is a hallmark of our KO program, and Lina, Katie and Julianne exemplify that on an international level,” said Natalie Demers, Assistant Head of School for Academic Life. “We are all proud of their success in Canada.”

Volin, the daughter of John and Valeria Volin, will travel to Lithuania in the Spring to compete in the World Public Speaking Championship.

“It was not only impressive but also inspiring to listen to these girls compete during those four days in Canada,” said Repp, who also teaches English and drama at KO. “They are smart, creative, articulate, and persuasive – and the results bear witness to just how accomplished they were!”

Kingswood Oxford students have long been known as clear, confident communicators, both verbally and in writing; it’s been a hallmark of a KO education for more than 100 years. Interviews for September 2014 enrollment are now under way; for an appointment or a campus tour, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@k-o.org or 860-727-5000.