The Jackson-Reed Speech and Debate Team swept the competition at two state tournaments on March 14 at Alice Deal and March 21 at Washington Liberty. In total, ten students qualified for nationals across 12 rounds: two virtual and ten in person. 

Our debate team competes in multiple events, from Public Forum, a form of partner debate that focuses on policy decision making, to Lincoln Douglas, a form of individual debate that focuses on the morality of propositions.  

At the recent state tournaments, JR secured half of all qualifying spots. It was no surprise to the team, who prep together every Tuesday. 

Junior Mateo Jacobson got fourth place in Public Forum with Senior Joao Braga, who Jacobson describes as “a ball of positivity.” Though he missed the award ceremony to be with his sister, Jacobson could not have been prouder. “I was very happy. I was proud of the work we did, and yeah it paid off,” he declared. 

In May, the qualified students will join hundreds of others at nationals, spending a weekend sweating in ill-fitting suits and carrying around briefcases. 

This year it will be held in DC, and take place on May 23-24.  When asked how he felt about nationals, Jacobson said, “I’m excited, very excited.” 

To the untrained eye the students may seem like overperforming nerds. 

However, upon closer inspection they are kind, funny, and well-rounded. It turns out that you can be on the debate team and have a life! 

The team serves as a hub for all types of students, from biomed freaks to future librarians, University of Pennsylvania commits to field hockey stars, and even JROTC buffs. Everyone shares a common want to learn and argue. 

Though the regular season is over, the debate team will take new students next year. 

It is an excellent way to maintain real discourse and build community under our current oppressive regime. Members learn important skills, from researching to public speaking. As Jacobson said, “it is probably one of the best experiences you will ever have.”

For the students going on to nationals, we wish you the best of luck. •