From left: Lincoln Academy Debate Team members Julia Deitrick, Quinn Conroy, and Nandi Gero at the State Debate Tournament on January 21.
On Saturday, January 21 three members of the 2022-23 Debate Team excelled at the State Debate Tournament at Bangor High School.
Freshman Julia Deitrick placed first in Maine in Congressional Debate-House, junior Nandi Gero placed third in the state in Novice Lincoln-Douglas, and Deitrick with partner Quinn Conroy placed fourth in Maine in the team Congressional Debate competition.
“It was a really great experience,” said Deitrick of her first debate season. “Our whole team has tried so hard this season and it has paid off! As a freshman just starting out with debate everyone has been welcoming with open arms to help me learn and succeed in the debate community.”
“The Maine State Debate Championship was very exciting for me,” said Nandi Gero, an LA junior who is an international student from Hungary. “I had never once attended such a large-scale tournament, and I was very nervous at the beginning. I prepared thoroughly before it, by researching the topic, writing my arguments, and cross-examining them with our debate coach, Ms. Halm. Even so, when I got there, I felt a little overwhelmed, so before the first round started, I took a deep breath and decided that I am going to go in there with the plan of enjoying each round and doing the best I can. The debates themselves were very exciting, and all of my rivals were very good and talented. I am very happy to see that my hard work had paid off, and I would like to thank Ms. Halm, for all the help and support she provided. Without her, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
“Personally, the debate this weekend was very difficult, but it felt super rewarding to bring a new trophy to LA!” said sophomore Quinn Conroy. “Debate in general has been really fun, and I think that this just condensed what I love, competition between very talented speakers.”
“I’m so proud of their perseverance, dedication, and courage in putting themselves out there in state competition,” said Lincoln Academy debate coach Kathleen Halm, who also teaches social studies. “It’s definitely been a building and growing year for the debate team, and they have been living up to our motto of the last few years: ‘We are small, but we are mighty!’”
