The Pennridge High School 2019-2020 Debate Team has officially made it to the semi-finals! The competing team consists of the four highest-scoring members, including President Corey Shipman, Vice President Emma Foster, and underclassmen Heidi Swartley, and Meghan Pole. The team debated on the topic of the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing the negative (though not by choice according to Foster), and dominated in most competitions.

As mentioned, Emma Foster is Vice President of debate, and currently holds the highest score school wide. When asked why she got into debate to begin with, she explained how it spurred from her long-time passion for politics and activism. One of the greatest things about the club, though often difficult, is that she doesn’t always get to argue the side she believes in. This, Foster testifies, opens her eyes to other arguments and helps her understand the other side of things. So far, the team has gone against Northern Lehigh, Palisades, Kutztown, and many more. The biggest challenger, they all agree, has been Salisbury.

But what are some of the sentimental aspects of being a part of the debate team? Foster says what makes her most proud is seeing her peers confident and knowledgeable about the topics. For example, when Corey Shipman is able to answer a question really well, or  when Heidi Swartley can shoot down counterpoints, or when Meghan Pole asks super good questions that leave the opposing team speechless. If there is a piece of advice she has for next year’s team, it’s to “work your hardest, go to mock debates, and most of all, become close and connected with your teammates. Bond with them… it’s more fun anyway!”

Ms. Lisa Maderic, a Pennridge librarian and adviser of the club, says the biggest struggle this season was scheduling with such a large amount of people. This year, there are 42 students participating! And though that’s been quite the adjustment, Maderic commends the team on being hardworking and diligent. She is especially proud of her seniors, a quarter of which made the semi-finalist team. “[There are] seven seniors leaving this year which makes a huge impact, losing those leaders and scores.” Regardless, she is hopeful for the team in the coming years. They’ve made it all the way to the semi-finals for seven years consecutively, and have no intention of terminating the streak anytime soon. The students are very talented and invested, and this will keep the momentum going.

So, what can we expect for the team in the next few weeks? The next semi-final round is this week, and the last round will end on April 1st. Then they’ll find out if they make it to finals. If they do, the team will prepare in the coming weeks for their April 28th debate. There, they will debate against other highly competitive and record-breaking scorers for the first place title. Good luck, Pennridge Debate Team!