LT debaters start strong this season

The Lyons Township High School Congressional Debate Team is trending well this season having taken 5th place at their first tournament, 4th place at their second tournament and recently took home third place out of 35 schools at the Elk Grove Debate Invitational. LT competes in the Illinois Congressional Debate Association League, comprised of more than 30 teams and the largest league in the nation.

LT individual award winners include junior Meredith Jenkins, of Western Springs, who won a first place Speaking Award at the varsity level. Junior Shane Cox, of Indian Head Park, won a first place award for Best Presiding Officer at the varsity level, and sophomore Lydia Vulich, of Willow Springs, won a second place Speaking Award at the junior varsity level.

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 Social Worker Joan Cushing.