Apopka High Debate Team Brings Home Medals

While the rest of Apopka was enjoying a three-day weekend and observing Memorial Day, the Apopka High School Debate Team was hard at work.

Thanks to the financial support from the Apopka community, the team traveled to Sacramento, California for two days of rigorous competition with schools from all over the country. Their previous success allowed them to join other top-perfoming schools at the 2016 NCFL Grand National Tournament.

Twins Marshah and Cynthia Menos performed their interpretation of Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" several times, once moving a spectator to tears. They were twice ranked in first and second place by several of the judges (there were three judges in each round).

Ethan Uhlig and Morgan Donaghy had a particularly grueling schedule on Saturday, and then at 11:00 PM that night learned that they had advanced to double-octo rounds (top 32). They left the hotel at 6:00 AM on Sunday morning to get to their next rounds.

The short night may have helped as Morgan and Ethan were Seed 19, which puts them in the top 20 nationwide in the preliminary rounds of Policy Debate.

They received their medals and some great feedback from experienced judges. This should help them prepare for the 2016 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Utah next month.

All of the kids who participated plan on continuing to help the younger members by coaching them whenever possible, and this experience has added greatly to their skill sets.

The team was amazed to see kids from all over the nation, dressed in suits and carrying laptops and briefcases and speaking/debating so professionally.

"It certainly gives me hope for our nations' future,' said Caty Brown, Apopka High School Debate Coach. "I am proud to say that Apopka's varsity debaters represented our community well! We wish to thank all those who have helped us thus far, through financial sponsorship or other types of support"

• Apopka Rotary Club
• The Adam Stratton Foundation
• The Eagle Family
• The Donaghy Family
• The Uhlig Family
• The Menos Family
• Holly Fussell
• Cher Douglas
• Stuart Swirsky
• Chick-fil-a Apopka
• Chili's Northwest Apopka
• The Apopka Voice

The next and last event of this season is the 2016 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Utah June 12-14.

According to Cathy Brown the team is still raising funds to be able to represent Apopka at that event and needs about $1,000 to make it happen.

Donations can be made directly to the Apopka High School Debate Team with check or cash. Donations may be mailed or presented at the school (555 West Martin Street, Apopka, Fl. 32712).

Contact Cathy Brown at Cathy.Brown@ocps.net for more information.