Seven Scorpion debaters competed in the culminating debate event of the year: the Sagebrush District Tournament. The competition is intense as the season's top debaters from all the Northern Nevada teams come together to try to earn a spot at the National Tournament in June. Although SRS did not earn a spot this year, several of our debaters came very close. To the highlights:
In Public Forum debate, Maddy Dutton ('23) and Kevin Lu ('23) posted a 4-0 record in prelims and made it into finals, where -- surprise! -- they found themselves facing a familiar opponent: SRS teammates Aiden Charles ('26) and Bryce Stormo ('26), who themselves posted a strong prelims record of 3-1. Although their 9th grade counterparts put up a good fight, Maddy and Kevin's experience led them to a stronger showing, and they moved on to the final round where they lost a close contest to the eventual winners of the tournament. This was the first time Sage Ridge got two PF teams into Districts finals, and that alone is cause to applaud these four debaters. Well done!
In Lincoln Douglas debate, 10th graders Nanki Sandhu ('25) and Kate Clemetson ('25) led the way with 9th grader Michelle Cho '26. All three girls put up strong showings against one of the largest LD pools in recent tournament history, and Nanki earned a trip to finals, where she won twice, making it to the final round. In that contest, she lost on a 2-1 split ballot. Being one ballot away from a nationals qualification is a great achievement as a 10th grader. Amazing!
Finally, Sage Ridge School has received the highest recognition the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) awards by earning the 2022-2023 Leading Chapter Award in the Sagebrush District. Only approximately three percent of schools are recognized as Leading Chapter Award winners. Sage Ridge earned this distinction for amassing significant NSDA points and for having consistently high levels of student participation. Our plaque in on display in our front office.
Congratulations to all debaters! Let's get ready for a great '23-'24 season.
Mr. S.
