Hackley's Fall Debate Wrap-Up

On Nov. 9, the team included 10 fifth graders (Jun Yang W., Alice D., Cyrus H., Yina Q., Masha Z., Sophia J., Marlowe H., Agron K., Julia F. and Theodore B.), seven sixth graders (Akash K., Robert H., Michael C., Ethan A., Leroy G., Adam Y. and Charlie R.), seven seventh graders (Ryan L., Sophie P., Neil D-S., James C., Navika K., Henry B. and George P.), and two eighth graders (Rohan M. and Desi C.).

Sophie P. ’30 won the third place speaker award, and Hackley came in second place for most team wins overall.

In the Upper School, the opening High School Public Debate Program (HSPDP) tournament took place at Dwight School on Nov. 9, as well. In addition, Hackley participated in two other New York Parliamentary Debate League (NYPDL) tournaments. The tournament at Hunter College High School on Oct. 26 featured two Upper School teams — Gabriel Fossner ’27 and Theo Anderson ’27, as well as Nico Kim ’27 debating as a maverick (solo debater).

On Nov. 16, three Hackley teams competed at the first HSPDP tournament of the season, including Avish Chandra ’27, Brian Feehan ’27 and Luke Thomas ’27 (in his first-ever debate tournament); Theo Anderson ’27, Zack Reinmann ’27 and Max Michael ’27; and Nico Kim ’27 and Zaira Sammi ’28 (also competing in her first event). All the teams did exceptionally well, earning Hackley a top school award for percentage of wins.

On Nov. 23, six Hackley Upper School debaters — tenth graders Max Michael, Nico Kim, Gabe Fossner and Lilly Rosenthal — competed at Rye Country Day. Nico earned a top 10 speaker award.

December will be a crucial month as well with the team’s second PDP tournaments — the Middle School will be at Blind Brook and the High School tournament will be hosted by Hackley!