Members of the school’s Speech and Debate team recently traveled to the University of Central Florida in Orlando to compete in the Florida Forensic League Varsity State Championship, which brought together over 680 competitors from across the state. Students debated on a variety of current political and social issues.
Over three days of competition, students discussed topics such as mandated handwriting curricula, the situation in Iran, climate change, maternity leave, AI regulation, gerrymandering, mandatory waiting periods and background checks for gun ownership, and the ongoing housing crisis. Each topic required students to research legislation in advance and prepare arguments both supporting and opposing the proposals.
The Benjamin Team was accompanied by debate coach Dr. John Peruggia and a great new addition, U.S. Social Studies teacher Sydney Hamilton. According to Peruggia, students collaborated closely throughout the tournament while also respectfully engaging with competitors from other schools in thoughtful debate on complex issues. Peruggia commented on this behavior, stating it was a “hopeful sign that humanity’s future may indeed not be as bleak as the media and political elite may be presenting.”
Students Edward “Teo” Azqueta, Isla Brawn, Isabelle Charlton, Matias Navarro, and Finley Strauss represented the school at the state championship. Their participation marked the culmination of months of preparation and research leading up to the tournament.
Junior Finley Strauss placed 8th in the state in Varsity Congressional Debate, after 12 hours of masterful speaking, questioning, and politicking. She advanced through multiple preliminary chambers and the state semifinals before reaching the final round. Strauss competed against more than 130 of Florida’s top debaters in the event.
Preparation for the tournament required extensive work. Competitors researched dozens of pieces of legislation, prepared speeches on both sides of each topic, and ensured that they were able to respond effectively during debate rounds.
The tournament concluded a successful season for the school’s Speech and Debate program, which earned more than 2,500 National Speech & Debate Association points and welcomed several new members to the team. With the season complete, the team looks forward to building on its success in the coming year.
