LT debaters bring home medals

The Lyons Township High School Congressional Debate Team recently participated in a tournament at Wheeling High School, with four Lions earning individual awards.

More than 400 students from more than 20 schools competed in varsity and junior varsity chambers in which students debated hypothetical bills related to public welfare, economics and foreign affairs. Students were judged for the content in their speeches, their speaking skills and their ability to further debate.

Two LT students, senior Meredith Jenkins, of Western Springs, and junior Keeley Mahoney, of Willow Springs, were chosen to participate in an extra-competitive chamber, better known as the Tournament of Champions (TOC). Only 60 of the most competitive students were chosen to compete in TOC.

After three sessions, all students met for an awards ceremony, where the following LT students won individual awards from their chambers:

Ahmad Ayyeh, Junior (Brookfield)

Shane Cox, Senior (Indian Head Park)

Bea Cundiff, Senior (Western Springs)

Meredith Jenkins, Senior (Western Springs)

Students involved in Congressional Debate follow the procedures of the senators and representatives in Washington D.C. They write legislation, work in committees, and debate their own bills and resolutions. Speeches are judged, points are accumulated, and both individual and team trophies are awarded by point totals and student voting.

The team is coached by Social Studies teacher Tom Swiontek and assisted by fellow teacher Joan Cushing and Maria Ricker.