Parker debate team starts year with a win

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WAIMEA — Parker School’s debate team started their season with a first place school trophy for the most ballots earned at the Damien Memorial High School Non-Qualifying Debate Tournament on Oct. 15.

WAIMEA — Parker School’s debate team started their season with a first place school trophy for the most ballots earned at the Damien Memorial High School Non-Qualifying Debate Tournament on Oct. 15.

More than 35 Parker debaters in grades 9-12 competed against 10 Oahu schools in the year’s first tournament. Parker School earned 73 winning ballots, with Punahou placing second with 56. As the only neighbor island school and the smallest school to compete, Parker’s debate team included 11 freshmen.

Parker School also tied for first place with Punahou and Kamehameha Schools for the highest percent of winning ballots.

“This is a great first showing and gives us a good indication that our team will be competitive this season, “ said Carl Sturges, Parker School headmaster and debate coach.

Highlights included three Parker teams that went undefeated: freshmen Hiroki Soler and Tyler Thomas in JV Policy; sophomores Zoey Vann and Macey Note in Varsity Policy Debate; and juniors Riley Herendeen and Tina Staszkow in Public Forum Debate.

The Parker Debate team’s next competition will be at Punahou School’s Non-Qualifying Debate Tournament Nov. 12 on Oahu.