Friday, March 29, 2024

Junior Debate Team Receives National Recognition

Twelve of Carroll ISD’s very own 8th graders competed at the National Junior Forensic League national tournament in Birmingham, Alabama last month. Five students advanced to finals in Congressional Debate. One student successfully placed 7th in the nation in Extemporaneous Speaking. Also, one of the teams representing Carroll earned the distinction of national runner-up in Public Forum debate. The tournament that took place June 19-21 was the first time that middle school students from Carroll had been represented at NJFL.

As a result of the collective success of Carroll ISD students, the Southlake Junior Debate Club was named a Top 5, National School of Debate Excellence in 2013.  It is highly prestigious and winning it places the program in the top tier as one of the most competitive teams in the nation.  SJDC was the only school recognized as a National school of Debate Excellence in Texas other then HuaXia Chinese School to receive this award.

SJDC organizers say they have big plans for the club and will be adding more classes in the fall for incoming 7th and 8th grade students in Carroll ISD.  Last year, the club had 26 students. If you are interested in joining the debate club, please email Ellena Prokopeas at eprokopeas@hotmail.com or call her at 817-902-3804.