Kealakehe Intermediate and Konawaena Middle Schools hosted their first-ever debate tournament on Saturday, April 29. Students in grades 6-8 from both schools were able to participate and showcase their debate skills. The event was organized by Alexander Knowlton, Julia Castro, and Emily Threlkeld, from Kealakehe Intermediate School and Konawaena Middle School. The event was held at Kealakehe Intermediate School.
The purpose of the tournament was to recognize and honor students’ voices and academic achievement through structured debate. The event was divided into three debate rounds, with volunteer teachers from both schools judging the debates. The students were given a fun lunch break where they could dance and relieve their debate stress before going for the final debate round. All participants enjoyed their lunch and dinner, and Kealakehe Intermediate School earned winning team honors.
Honors also went to top debaters. Miliani Bunghanoy of Kealakehe took the first place, with Iwalani Jones of Konawaena in second place, and Julia Bowman of Kealakehe in third place. The idea of the tournament originated from the student’s enthusiasm to express their voice and show their passion for democratic advocacy.
Both schools plan to continue this initiative by hosting an annual debate tournament to recognize and honor student voice, academic achievement, and democratic advocacy.