Page 244 - Yggdrasil 2021

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Debate 2020-2021 - a season like no other
by Shannon Isabella Feerick-Hillenbrand ‘22
From the beginning o f the 2020-2021 academic year, the policy debate team knew that the year would be more challenging than any other. Whilt team members were well-prepared for the season and the hefty topic
- Reforming the Criminal Justice System - they were not prepared for debating with C O V ID protocol restrictions.
Instead o f flying to the first tournament to debate, the team began the season in the Upper School Conference Room, the Science classrooms, and the Convocation Center - all on Zoom. In-person debate allows teams to connect with opponents and judges through direct interactions. Debaters develop effective speaking skills even when reading at speeds of 180wpm.
But between WIFI issues, mask-wearing and Zoom glitches, many adjustments had to be made. The Carrollton Debate Team faced these challenges head-on. It adapted quickly and had a competitively successfu: year.
Novice debaters advanced to late elimination rounds at the Marist Ivy Street Invitational, Meadows Invitational, University o f Michigan National High School Debate Tournament, University of Georgia High School Bulldog Debates, and Bishop Guild Tournament at Samford University.
A t the First and Second-Year National Championships, Fvana Arvanitis and Daniella Roos advanced to the Ocatafinals round, finishing in the
top 16. Varsity debaters also advanced to late elimination rounds at the Westminister School o f Atlanta National Debate Tournament, The Bishop Guild Tournament at Samford University, the Niles Township Invitational, the Marist Ivy Street Invitational, and the Meadows Invitational.
The year ended on a high note, with Shannon Feerick-Hillenbrand
and Thais C. Perez advancing to the Quarterfinals round and finishing in the top 8 at the National Debate Coaches Association National Championships. The Carrollton Debate Team is a force to be reckoned with. Not even the challenges of COVID protocols could stop them.
Debate Team members; Addison Grinan, Alexandra Menendez, Camilla Alzetta, Camille Deschapelles, Catalina de la Pena, Cecily Johnson, Daniella Roos, Emma Beharry, Fvana Arvanitis, Gabi Echegarary, Gaby Coto, Isabel Alia-Arias, Isabella Fernandez, Isabella Oliva, Joana Arvanitis Maria Cecilia Mestre, Mariana Solares, Mia Padron, Rebecca Rodriguez, Saramelia Lopez, Shannon Feerick-Hillenbrand, Sofia Casado, Sofia Mendez, Thais Perez, Valeria Cavalieri, Vivian Melgoza
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