Speech and Debate team competes at Harvard

This February, Pine View Speech and Debate attended the annual Harvard National Forensics Tournament. Of the 17 students who attended, six made it to the next round, several making it to quarter and semifinals.

The tournament took place at Harvard University from Feb. 13 to Feb.15. The following students attended the tournament:

Both Hannah Wang and Fitzgerald broke to quarterfinals and semifinals in Congress, respectively. Fitzgerald also received the Prelim Leadership Award for being voted as the best leader in his Congress chamber.

“When I first found out I had broken to quarters, I was surprised, excited, and happy,” Hannah Wang said. “I was so grateful to be able to represent Pine View in quarterfinals.” In extemporaneous speaking, both Carry and Rahman broke as octofinalists.

Byju and Szczepaniuk flew in early to Boston to participate in the Round Robins, competitions that occur prior to the tournament. Round Robins participants are selected, and the two were one of only 14 public forum debate teams to be chosen to compete. During the tournament, Byju and Szczepaniuk broke to quarters. Byju also received second best speaker, and Szczepaniuk received sixth best speaker. These are awarded to the students with the most speaker points.

William Wang, the president of Speech and Debate said, “I’m obviously really happy with the team… This is really great at a prestigious tournament like Harvard.”