Last Saturday, senior Sarah Scarvie placed fourth out of 100 participants in the congressional debate event at Classical Academy, bringing home the debate team’s first placement of the season in this category.

“[Placing] is really difficult because so many different schools bring their kids,” Ms. Amanda Gustafson said, “This was a first for the team.”

During this all-day event, 100 students from 16 different high schools simulated Congress and debated over presented bills. A presiding officer, who acts as a judge, ranked each speaker, placing the top first through eighth.

“I’m thrilled I placed,” Scarvie said. “Debate has made me a much better public speaker.”

In addition to bringing home Cathedral Catholic High School’s first placement of the season, Sarah also became the first CCHS student, throughout the entire history of the team, to place within the top eight in congressional debate. Senior Adam Stocker and freshman Paulina Nyguen also attended the event and did well, both placing in the top 20.

“It was a really good experience. Really fun,” Stocker said.

The debate team will continue attending competitions, now with even more enthusiasm. Their next tournament will be at Mission Vista High School on Oct. 3. If interested in the group, students are encouraged to attend meetings in Ms. Gustafson’s room on Mondays and Wednesdays during lunch.