West Chester East students achieve high in the state language and debate tournament

By James Deorio

Akshara Begagadda and James Deorio recently represented the West Chester East High School by participating in the state championship in the category of parliamentary debate.

They were one of only two teams (four people in total) from the district who qualified for the state championship in their category, in districts 2: 1 and second.

They took part in Bloomsburg University on March 21. Although they do not qualify for the second day, it is an enormous performance to only qualify in states and to compete in states.

After the interview with team members, one thing is certain: everyone is looking forward to what the future does for this club.

James Deorio about her experiences with districts and states: “Ms. Rosenthal and I have an insider joke about my first speech and debate meeting. It was the first day of March Madness, and I remember that I saw the games on her computer instead of debating because I was new to the club, and the other students planned the following year. state champion in the state.

“I went into the district mentality in the district playoffs/state qualification games. On the way to the Harriton High School for districts, I was extremely nervous, so I listened to the story of David and Goliath on my cell phone and only followed the advice of David and allowed Jesus to calm my nerves when I was in the most years with the stock 0-bis lead in the advantages in which I competed in the supervisor with a 0-2 damage in which you competed in the previous knowledge in the district. “

“That's why Akshara and I could compete. I wanted to do my best and I felt that I could be satisfied with the result. Despite my attitude, it was more satisfying than just doing my best. Remember to think on the way home and think about how exciting it would be to take part in the state tournament.”

“I was still incredibly excited even on the way to the states, but I was a little nervous again. Now we competed against the best children in the state and both were in our first season. The nerves started to get a bit to me, but all of these nerves went away when we arrived in the hotel.

“Regardless of the result, the states were really fascinating and I was difficult to meet many interesting and intelligent people. In competitions, it was difficult to violate the best of the state, as my task was to refute their logic and perspectives. In the next season they cannot expect something in the parliamentary debate that they always have to draw attention to.

“I would like to thank you by God, all fame for Jesus Christ. Akshara. I'm looking forward to the next season.”

Akshara takes what it was like to qualify as a newcomer and take part in the State Turner: “It was really intimidating, especially since most people seemed very experienced there. However, it was nice to get feedback from you and even become friends.”

The answer from coach Kaylie Rosenthal on the question: “What was the experience of coaching when it came to preparing Akshara and Jimmy for states? And what was it like to assess and testify parliamentary debate at the state level?”

“To be honest, I didn't know what I would expect when assessing at the state competition. So I was a bit intimidated at first. I didn't know how to prepare Jimmy and Akshara. I hope I was able to provide you with enough instructions. I have looked at a lot of research. To the next season.”

“According to the state level, it was extraordinary! I have never discussed the students in this caliber, and I was not impressed by every team. The entire competition was a great opportunity for Jimmy and Akshara and for me – we can't wait for the next season!”

Naina Bhatia (co -founder): Where do you see the future of the club for the next year? And do you think West Chester East will start again in states?

“I definitely see that the club expands as before two years ago. This would include new members, more competitions and better results. And my answer to the second question is definitely! It is an honor that all my teammates are improved with every practice, and with the growth rate we have seen, I will introduce us all in the states next year.”

Angelina VO (co -founder): When she and Naina began language and debate at the beginning of language and debate, did you believe that within two years you would have a team that could qualify and take part in the state tournament?

“When Naina and I founded the speech and debate team in East, we definitely had high successes, but the team exceeded our expectations. We have exceeded a lot of efforts in recruitment and creating an accessible environment, in which complex speech and debate concepts felt. National! “

Jack Armbruster (member representative): How did the club grown in its short two -year existence and blossomed?

“In the past two years, our team has had the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of speech and debate. The efforts of all our members have challenged ourselves to be successful in the competition, and I would say that we have already achieved a lot. Two years ago, two years ago, none of us have any experience in the next year. Pittsburgh.

Caroline Brittingham (Fundraising officer): How do you see how a long -time member of speech and debate this club, especially new members, will help to grow?

“Since the club has grown since my first year, I have seen how its members not only become better debates, but also better thinkers. This club has my skills in critical thinking, the skills for problem solving and the general understanding of the world around me. Many of my club members say the same!”

Information on the state championship process:

The way the state championship tournament is set up is that you have to arrive at Bloomsburg University until 7 a.m. and listen to the head of the tournament, which is read about certain standard rules. Then they would be divided into their categories. Then you get an e -mail with the decision (which you have to argue about), and an online coin would decide who can choose if you are for or against the topic.

Regardless of your recording in these debates, you still have to take part in four competitions, even after you cannot qualify for the second day. There are eight judges, two per round. You have to vote for six out of eight judges to qualify and take part in the second day. If you do not do this, you can move up the next day, but you will be excreted from the State Champion.

The parliamentary debate is when two two teams of two years receive a resolution (example: this house would expand the Supreme Court), and then a coin flip decides who can call if you want to be a house (in this case you are for the expansion of the Supreme Court) or OPPS (ie you, on the other hand, against the expansion of the Supreme Court). You will then receive fifteen minutes to explore your topic and then keep an opening speech for which both are allocated for seven minutes, a refutation that has allocated for another seven minutes, and finally a conclusion that is a five -minute speech. Both sides can stand up and ask a question, but they must be approved by everyone who is the current speaker.

Originally published: May 23, 2025 at 2:49 p.m. Edt