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Thank You For A Great Semester
Dear Parents & Students,
As we approach the end of 2023, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have embarked upon together at Potomac Debate Academy. It brings me immense joy and pride to share with you the highlights of our accomplishments and the growth we have witnessed among our talented students.
Throughout the semester, we served nearly one thousand families in learning debate and/or public speaking education. Students attended tournaments all over the country, winning countless team awards, speaker awards, and receiving bids to the Tournament of Champions. Finally, and most importantly, our students grew as learners, advocates, and individuals, becoming better speakers and thinkers.
I am particularly proud of the supportive and inclusive community that has grown within our academy. This semester, our Team Captains unveiled a number of new projects to build feelings of camaraderie and teamwork, including mock debates, workshops, office hours, intramural observing, and more. Over 200 students took advantage of these resources! The PDA administrative team has also been hard at work, always looking to improve your experience with us. We were excited to share our new and improved learning level system, student/parent portals, and streamlined coach communication system. Plus, we offered our December Intramural entirely free. I am so thrilled at what we were able to accomplish this year!
As we look ahead to the next semester, I am excited about the possibilities that await us. We have been working diligently with our curriculum development and topic prep team to prepare for the upcoming semester, and I am confident that the next semester will bring even more achievements and memorable moments. I encourage all our students to enroll for the Winter/Spring 2024 semester, where we will continue to foster an environment that values learning, growth, and collaboration.
Thank you for being a part of the Potomac Debate Academy family. The success we have achieved this semester is a testament to the dedication of our students and the unwavering support of our community. Together, let's continue to empower the next generation of leaders.
Wishing you a restful and joyous holiday season.
Sincerely,
Katie Humphries Director, Potomac Debate Academy
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December '23 Tournament Results
As the year comes to a close, we had a busy December! Potomac Debate students attended 3 in-person tournaments at Ridge, George Mason University, and Princeton University. We also competed in 2 online tournaments at TOC Digital Series and UCLA. Last but not least, we hosted our very own Fall Championships Intramural with over 200 students in attendance! Without further ado, here are our impressive results:
December Fall Championships Intramural:
Impromptu Speaking
📣1st: Sneha P.
📣2nd: Hannah L.
Public Speaking
Junior Varsity:
📣1st: Jiah N.
📣2nd: David K.
Varsity:
📣1st: Olivia H.
📣2nd: Shreya B.
Public Forum
Elementary School Novice:
🏆Champion: Aalia K. & Ritishka K.
⭐ Finalist: Melissa S. & Jenna Y.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Ritishka K.
📣2nd: Aalia K.
📣3rd: Naiya D.
Elementary School Open:
🏆Champion: Jayden L. & Shreya R.
⭐ Finalist: Ariyan P. & Lara V.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Lara V.
📣2nd: Sian L.
📣3rd: Mishka C.
Middle School Novice:
🏆Champion: Avik D. & Pranav K.
⭐ Finalist: Chloe D. & Julia G.
⭐ Semifinalist: Sujeev K. & Rishabh V., Diya G. & Srinish P.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Sujeev K.
📣2nd: Chloe D.
📣3rd: VIhaan M.
📣4th: Steven H.
📣5th: Srinish P.
Middle School JV:
🏆Champion: Cameron L. & Andrew N.
⭐ Finalist: Lakshya P. & Ayaan K.
⭐ Semifinalist: Rishaan G. & Sophia L., Arnav S. & Aru-Ai K.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Sriya I.
📣2nd: Gregory S.
📣3rd: Elaine Z.
📣4th: Avika S.
📣5th: Jiyan B.
Middle School Intermediate:
🏆Champion: Erin L. & Christian L.
⭐ Finalist: Ava N. & Hetvik K.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Suhani V.
📣2nd: Ava N.
📣3rd: Saisahasra A., Rishaan K.
Middle School Open:
🏆Champion: Abhay H. & Anthony L.
⭐ Finalist: Kaylynn Y. & Rebecca L.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Lavinia U.
📣2nd: Abhay H.
📣3rd: Anthony L.
High School Novice
🏆Champion: Harshiv S. & Laura C.
⭐ Finalist: Aanshi P. & Yiren J.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Laura C.
📣2nd: Aanshi P.
📣3rd: Ananya N.
High School JV
🏆Champion: Anirudh P. & Sanskriti N.
⭐ Finalist: Jessica G. & Wyatt N.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Jessica G.
📣2nd: Wyatt N.
📣3rd: Anirudh P.
High School Open
🏆Champion: Rohan R. & Raj A.
⭐ Finalist: Mengtong X. & Joyce L.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Raj A.
📣2nd: Kelly J.
📣3rd: Nehal T.
Ridge Debates:
High School Varsity:
⭐ Quarterfinalists: Ishan P. & Noor M., Aaron T. & Isabel T. (receiving TWO GOLD bids to TOC!)
⭐ Octafinalists: Christopher T. & Cynthea W. (receiving a SILVER bid to TOC!)
Speaker Awards
📣6th: Aaron T.
📣8th: Ishan P.
Princeton University:
High School Varsity:
⭐ Double Octafinalists: Sherry L. & Leon W., Roselyn B. & Tiffany T., and Carson D. & Dillon M. (receiving THREE SILVER bids to TOC!)
George Mason University:
High School Varsity:
⭐ Quarterfinalists: Benjamin T. & Luke W., Zack L. & Hali D. (receiving TWO GOLD bids to TOC!)
⭐ Octafinalists: Ishan P. & Aaron T. (receiving a SILVER bid to TOC!)
⭐ Double Octafinalists: Cleo C. & Sahasra G., Alisha D. & Ethan M., Paul W. & Harrison W.
⭐ Triple Octafinalist: Richard F & Sarina V.
TOC Digital Speech & Debate #3:
Middle School Varsity::
⭐ Octafinalist: Aahana G. & Cady W.
Speaker Awards (Middle School)
📣7th: Cady W.
UCLA:
High School Novice:
🏆Champion: Kaylynn Y. & Ava Y.
⭐ Quarterfinalist: Samarth S. & Kathy F.
⭐ Octafinalist: Karthik U. & Anish K.
Speaker Awards
📣2nd: Ava Y.
📣7th: Pia P.
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November '23 Tournament Results
What a month! We had students competing in 6 national circuit tournaments, including Brown University, Peach State Classic, SVUDL, Villiger, Groves Falcon, and US Forensics Olympiad. We also hosted our own intramural! Here are our awards! Go team!
Brown University:
High School Varsity:
⭐ Quarterfinalist: Jerry S. & Cleo C.
November Potomac Intramural:
Elementary School Novice:
🏆Champion: Shulin V. & Xavier H.
⭐ Finalist: Jenna Y. & Melissa S.
Elementary School Open:
🏆Champion: Jayden L. & Kamya B.
⭐ Finalist: Anaya D. & Ayman I.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Kamya B.
📣2nd: Aarav S.
📣3rd: Lara V.
📣4th: Ariyan P.
Middle School Novice:
🏆Champion: Manisha B. & Sanaa R.
⭐ Finalist: Pranav K. & Neha P.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Sahaj P.
📣2nd: Elaina W.
📣3rd: Eera A.
📣4th: Neha P.
Middle School JV:
🏆Champion: Veena Y. & Diya C.
⭐ Finalist: Alice Z. & Richard M.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Kavya S.
📣2nd: James B.
📣3rd: Tanisi S.
📣4th: Kavin L.
Middle School Open:
🏆Champion: Anay K. & Rohan K.
⭐ Finalist: Darshan C. & Abhay H.
High School JV:
🏆Champion: Aadi D. & Tasneema S.
⭐ Finalist: Toyin O. & Jude H.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Harshiv S.
📣2nd: Jude H.
📣3rd: Rashi P.
📣4th: Roshan G.
High School Open:
🏆Champion: Ava D. & Benjamin B. & Ronav G.
⭐ Finalist: Peter Z. & Rohan R.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Nikhil P.
📣2nd: Ava D.
📣3rd: Rohan R.
📣4th: Preeti G.
Public Speaking:
🏆1st: Sneha P.
⭐ 2nd: Shreya D.
⭐ 3rd: Deetya G.
⭐ 4th: Kamran S.
Peach State Classic:
High School Varsity:
⭐Octafinalist: Aaron T. & Isabel T.
⭐Double Octafinaist: Sherry L. & Leon W.
Groves Falcon:
Middle School Varsity:
🏆Champion: Grace L. & Julianna S.
🏆Finalist: Samarth S. & Kathy F.
⭐Semifinalist: Ameya B. & Aniruddh D.
⭐Quarterfinalist: Daven K. & Arshia R.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Ameya B.
📣4th: Grace L.
📣5th: Daven K.
📣6th: Julianna S.
📣10th: Samarth Singh
John Lewis SVUDL:
High School Varsity:
⭐ Double Octafinalist: Zayd P. & Preston L.
Speaker Awards
📣12th: Zayd P.
📣15th: Preston L.
Villiger:
High School Varsity:
⭐Quarterfinalist: Sherry L. & Leon W. (receiving a SILVER bid to the TOC!)
⭐ Octafinalist: Roselyn B. & Tiffany T., Aaron T. & Isabel T.
Speaker Awards
📣4th: Leon W.
📣6th: Sherry L.
USA Forensics Olympiad (Nov):
High School Varsity:
🏆Champion: Prisha Y. & Nehal T.
⭐ Semifinalist: Daniela A. & Mira K.
⭐ Quarterfinalist: Yusuf G. & Urja S., Anya K. & Apollin L., Christine Z. & Vivian C.
Speaker Awards
📣3rd: Christine Z.
📣5th: Apollin L.
Middle School Varsity:
🏆Champion: Kaylynn Y. & Rebecca L.
🏆Finalist: Rainger Y. & Kathy F.
⭐Semifinalist: Leo F. & Grace L.
⭐ Quarterfinalist: Iris A. & Ethan C., Gabriel S. & William Y., Gregory S. & Aarnna K., Malavika V. & Lavinia U.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Kaylynn Y.
📣2nd: Rebecca L.
📣3rd: Ethan C.
📣4th: Rainger Y.
📣5th: Gabriel S.
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October '23 Tournament Results
This past month, our middle and high school students competed at Georgetown, Cal State, Harvard International Council, October Potomac Intramural, USA Forensics Olympiad, University of Michigan, Tim Averill, and the in-person Bronx tournament in New York City!
That being said, we would like to recognize the following individuals for their achievements:
Georgetown Fall Tournament:
High School Varsity
⭐Octafinalist: Zayd P. & Preston L.
⭐Double Octafinalist: Lucas K. & James C. and Cady W. & Natalie Z.
Speaker Awards
📣10th: Preston L.
Middle School Varsity
⭐Semifinalist: Adelina E. & Neha N.
⭐Octafinalist: Veer P. & Anthony L.
Speaker Awards
📣7th: Veer P.
📣9th: Anthony L.
NYC Invitational Debate & Speech Tournament (Bronx):
High School Varsity
⭐Sextos: Carson D. & Dillon M.
Cal State Fullerton:
High School Varsity
🏆 Finalist: Katherine X. & Grace L. (receiving a gold bid to the TOC!!)
⭐Quarterfinalist: Sanvi K. & Sahasra G. and Anna J. & Charles L.
⭐ Octafinalist: Alisha D. & Ethan M.
⭐ Double Octafinalist: Cady W. & Natalie Z. and Edwin C. & Alex K.
Middle School Varsity
🏆 Finalist: Veer P. & Anthony L.
⭐ Octafinalist: Daven M. & Jonah K.
Speaker Awards
📣3rd: Veer P.
📣7th: Anthony L.
📣10th: Jonah K.
Harvard Debate Council International Tournaments:
High School Varsity
🏆 Champions: Katherine X. & Grace L.
⭐ Quarterfinalist: Rishik S. & Alex Y.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Katherine X.
📣2nd: Grace L.
📣9th: Rishik S.
Middle School Varsity
⭐ Octafinalist: Grace L. & Leo F.
October 2023 Potomac Intramural
MSV/HSO
🏆 Co-Champions: Arshia R. & Preeti G. and Rohan K. & Anay K.
⭐ Finalist: Mahitha K. & Sky J. and Nima R. & Raj A.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: William Y.
📣2nd: Sky J.
📣3rd: Nima R.
📣4th: Arshia R.
MSJV/HSN
🏆 Co-Champions: Peishi Y. & Aarush M. and Daven M. & Gregory S.
⭐ Finalist: Larry F. & Amy Y. and Diya C. & Veena Y.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Gregory S.
📣2nd: Peishi Y.
📣3rd: Diya C.
📣4th: James B.
ESN1/MSN1
🏆 Champions: Rishabh V. & Sujeev S.
⭐ Finalist: Avik D. & Pranav K.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Sidharta D.
📣2nd: Shriya W.
📣3rd: Sujeev S.
📣4th: Sanaa V.
ESJV/MSN2
🏆 Co-Champions: Mishka C. & Umar B. and Saisahasra A. & Rishaan K.
⭐ Finalist: Daksh S. & Remy S. and Andy Z. & Justin L.
Speaker Awards
📣1st: Justin L.
📣2nd: Andy Z.
📣3rd: Remy S.
📣4th: Umar B.
Public Speaking
🏆 1st: Seven L.
⭐ 2nd: Deetya G.
⭐ 3rd: Pratham S.
⭐ 4th: Kyle W.
USA Forensics Olympiad (Oct):
Open
🏆 Finalists: Emi M. & James L.
⭐ Semifinalist: Ryna C. & Neha N., Veda D. & Ava Y.
⭐ Quarterfinalist: Anna W. & Kristine Q., Darshan C. & Abhay H., and Pia P. & Sarvesh S.
Speaker Awards
📣2nd: Emi M..
📣3rd: Sarvesh S.
📣8th: Darshan C.
📣9th: Neha N.
📣10th: Kristine Q.
University of Michigan:
High School Varsity:
⭐ Quarterfinalist: Preston L. & Ishan P.
⭐ Double-Octofinalist: Aaron T. & Isabel T.
Speaker Awards
📣2nd: Preston L.
📣7th: Ishan P.
High School Novice:
⭐ Octofinalist: Grace L. & Samarth S.
Speaker Awards
📣7th: Anthony L.
📣10th: Veer P.
Tim Averill:
High School Varsity:
🏆 Champions: Katherine X. & Grace L. (receiving a gold bid to the TOC!!)
⭐ Octofinalist: Paul W. & Ethan M.
Speaker Awards
📣9th: Paul W.
#potomacdebate#public forum#nsda#debate#middleschooldebate#highschooldebate#varsitydebate#publicforum#novicedebate
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September '23 Tournament Results
This past month, our middle and high school students competed at the online Mid America Cup, Marist Ivy Street Invitational, and Yale Invitational, as well as in-person at UK Season Opener in Kentucky and Georgetown Day School in DC!
Without further ado, here are the results:
UK Season Opener
High School Varsity (In-Person)
⭐Double Octafinalists: Preston L. & Zayd P., Sherry L. & Leon W.
High School Varsity (Online)
⭐Double Octafinalists: Alisha D. & Ethan M.
⭐Triple Octafinalists: Zander D. & Kamran S., Christopher T. & Zach L.
Middle School Varsity (Online)
⭐Champions: Veer P. & Anthony L.
Speaker Awards
📣3rd: Veer Parmar
📣7th: Rainger Yu
Mid America Cup
High School Varsity
⭐Double Octafinalists: Noor M. & Ishan P., Ethan M. & Alisha D.
Georgetown Day School
High School Varsity
⭐Finals: Aaron Z. & Colin Z.
⭐Quarterfinals: Nikhil P. & Sarina V., Eshaan S. & Jeff H., Ishan P. & Noor M.
Speaker Awards (out of 52):
📣5th: Aaron Zacharia
📣6th: Noor Mahmoud
📣7th: Ishan Puri
📣8th: Colin Zhang
📣10th: Sarina Virmani
Marist Ivy Street
High School Varsity
⭐Semifinals: Lucas K. & Zayn B.
Speaker Awards
📣4th: Zayn Bandukwalla
Middle School Varsity
⭐Co-Champions: Veer. P & Anthony L., Ryna C. & Neha. N., Daven M. & Arshia R.
⭐Quarterfinals: Natalie Q. & Julianna S., Rainger Y. & Veda D., Rebecca L. & Kaylynn Y.
Yale University
High School Varsity
⭐Double Octafinalists: Dillon M. & Carson D. (securing a SILVER BID to the TOC!)
⭐Triple Octafinalists: Aaron T. & Isabel T.
⭐Quadruple Octafinalists: Katherine X. & Grace L., Harrison W. & Paul W., Cooper L. & Christopher T.
Speaker Awards:
📣2nd: Dillon Ma (out of 578 competitors)
📣6th: Carson Donnelly
#potomacdebate#public forum#debate#nsda#middleschooldebate#highschooldebate#varsitydebate#publicforum#novicedebate
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Captain's Corner: Tips For Unpacking A New Topic
As the end of the month is in sight, a new resolution is right around the corner. Being presented with a new topic is often daunting. Here are a few tips to get started!
Break down the resolution.
Pick out key topical words: Who might the actors be? Who might be affected?
Pick out phrasing nuances: “On balance” may indicate cost benefit analysis. “Should” may indicate an action-promoting affirmative. Consider how “substantial” may be interpreted.
Are there any words or concepts you are not familiar with? Define them.
Identify the status quo.
What is happening right now? What might be good or bad about it? How might affirming change it?
Need some inspiration?
Ask your coaches! Your coaches at Potomac Oak are always happy to help you learn more about strategies, the different nuances of debate, and the topics at hand.
Check briefs! Organizations such as Champion Debate, DebateUS, and Victory Briefs all offer analysis and cards on the topic! While many of these briefs cost money, you can often find free versions on Discord or Reddit.
Youtube! Watching videos on Youtube is a great way to gain background information in an engaging way. Various debate organizations provide recorded topic lectures for your viewing.
Let the research lead you!
Instead of hunting down arguments that you’ve heard from within the debate community, allow yourself to explore various postures through online literature.
What are the most common perspectives? What argument is each perspective proposing? Consider the strength of each argument and how they might weigh against one another when choosing your contentions.
We hope that these tips help kickstart your journey on this new topic! We wish everyone the best of luck in their upcoming tournaments!
P.S. The new Nocember topic is Resolved: The United States federal government should forgive all federal student loan debt.
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A Spectacular End Of Season: Championship Results
As we close out the 2022-2023 competitive season, we want to thank all our students, parents, coaches, judges, and supporters! We cannot be prouder of all our students’ successes and growth. So, without further ado, here are our impressive championship results, including the High School Tournament of Champions, Middle School Tournament of Champions, Digital Speech and Debate E-Championships, National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Nationals, North American Debate Circuit (NADC) Grand Championship, highlighting even more growth, fun, and success! See the results below!
High School Tournament of Champions Public Forum (Silver): Quarterfinalists: Ishan P. & Noor M. Speaker Awards: 10th Speaker: Ishan P. 14th Speaker: Noor M. 21st Speaker: Zack L.
Congress: Semifinalists: Armaan S.
Middle School Tournament of Champions: Public Forum: Finalists: Rosalyn B. & Tiffany T. Elim. 3 (Semifinalists): Nathaniel D. & Ayan M. Elim. 2 (Quarterfinalists): Daniela A. & Mira K. Elim. 1 (Octofinalists): Claire G. & Shona K. and Anthony L. & Avi S. Speaker Awards: 1st Speaker: Ayan M. 2nd Speaker: Nathaniel D. 9th Speaker: Roselyn B. 10th Speaker: Tiffany T. Congressional Debate: 2nd Place: Rainger Y. Digital Speech and Debate E-Championships: Middle School Public Forum Results: Octofinalists: Anthony L. & Avi S., Veer P. & Andrew L., and Amber W. & Natalie Z. Middle School Public Forum Speaker Awards: 11th Speaker: Natalie Z. 2023 IPPF World Championship: Champions: Jonathan F., Lily P. Alexander L., Derek M., Kaden C., and Evelyn S. NSDA Nationals: Round 10 (Top 35 Teams): Abigail H. &Angela G. NADC Grand Championships: Champions: Nathaniel D. & Pearl Y. Semifinalists: Noelle K. & Andrew L. Congratulations to all of our teams!
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March Tournament Recap
Recently, our students competed at the TOC Digital Speech and Debate Series #2, TOC Digital Speech and Debate Series #3, and the March Potomac Debate Academy Intramural Tournament, highlighting even more growth, fun, and success! See the results below! A special congratulations to Angela G. & Abigail H. as well as Ruth D. and Aaron T. for qualifying for the National Speech and Debate Association annual National Tournament. They will represent the Chesapeake region at the national competition this June!
TOC Digital Speech and Debate Series #2 Public Forum—High School Varsity Division: Finalists: Abigail H. & Angela G. (Gold Bid) Double Octo-finalists: James C. & Emi M. and Digonto C. & Dhira V. Triple Octo-finalists: Cooper L. & Christopher T. Public Forum—Middle School Division: Co-champions: Jessica G. & Leah M. and Daniela A. & Mira K. Partial Quarterfinals: Kathryn L. & Mabelle L. and Arav B. & Jaylen D.
TOC Digital Speech and Debate Series #3 Public Forum—High School Varsity Division: Double octo-finals: Zack L. & Ryan X. Public Forum—Middle School Division: Quarterfinals: Aahana G. & Cady W. Speaker Awards: 7th: Cady W.
March Intramural: Congress - Elementary, Middle, and High School Open: Novice, 1st: Miles G. Junior Varsity, 1st: Rainger Y. Varsity, 1st: Emma L. Public Forum—Elementary School Novice: Co-champions: Thomas Y. & Anoop G., Remy S. & Daksh S., Belinda Z. & Shreya R., and Maimoona N. & Jerry J.
Speaker Awards: 1st: Thomas Y. 2nd: Remy S. 3rd: Daksh S. Public Forum—Elementary School Open: Co-champions: Kavya S. & Kalvin L., Iris A. & Sanah R., Churchill K. & Vidhu R., and Ayman I. & Adithya V.
Speaker Awards: 1st: Iris A. 2nd: Sanah R. 3rd: Kavya S. Public Forum—Middle School Novice: Co-champions: Ronav G. & Rishi M., Stephanie L. & Anna N., Harshiv S. & Aru-Ai K., and Siddharth S. & Saanvi S. Speaker Awards: 1st: Sneha S. 2nd: Ronav G. 3rd: Nellie F. Public Forum—Middle School JV: Champions: Akshan R. & Aarush M. Finalists: Aaryan S. & Isha G., Nikhil N. & Raina D., and Rishaan G. & Rena G. Speaker Awards: 1st: Akshan R. 2nd: Mithra V. 3rd: Nina N. Public Forum—Middle School Open: Co-champions: Nathaniel D. & Ava Y., Andrew L. & Michelle P., Zaliah K. & Ellie W., and Veer P. & Anthony L.
Speaker Awards: 1st: Anthony L. 2nd: Nathaniel D. 3rd: Veer P. Public Forum—High School: Co-champions: Aarav B. & Amiti G., Ana G. & Saket S., Barkha B. & Josie K., and Daniel G. & Arya R. Speaker Awards: 1st: Ana G. 2nd: Barkha B. 3rd: Yulania W. Congratulations! Public Speaking - Elementary School: 1st: Varun R. 2nd: Riana B. 3rd: Aria C. Public Speaking - Level 2: 1st: Dhruv J. 2nd: Shreyas M. 3rd: Jay T. Public Speaking - Level 3/4: 1st: Ronan P. 2nd: Shreya D. 3rd: Akhil P.
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POTOMAC CHAMPIONS MIDDLE SCHOOL AT LAKELAND!
This past weekend, our middle and high school students competed at the online Lakeland Westchester Classic! Without further ado, here are our results: High School Varsity Octafinalists: Zayn B. & Lucas K. and Cleo C. & Emi M. Middle School Champions: Cady W. & Pearl Y. Semifinalists: Claire G. & Shona K. and Nathaniel D. & Aanya R. Quarterfinalists: Leah M. & Sam S. and Jonah K. & Ava Y. Speaker Awards: 1st: Nathaniel D. 2nd: Shona K. 3rd: Claire G. 4th: Sam S. 5th: Pearl Y. 7th: Leah M. 8th: Cady W.
WOWZERS! SEVEN out of the TEN TOP SPEAKERS in middle school were POTOMAC! GO TEAM!
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POTOMAC WINS MIDDLE SCHOOL AND FINALS HIGH SCHOOL AT TOC DIGITAL!
This past weekend, our middle and high school students competed at the online TOC Digital Debate Series #2 Tournament! Without further ado, here are our results: TOC Digital Debate Series #2 Varsity High School Finalists: Angela G. & Abigail H. (securing a BID to the TOC!) Double Octafinalists: James C. & Emi M. and Digonto C. & Dhira V. Triple Octafinalists: Cooper L. & Christopher T. Speaker Awards: 7th: Lucas K. 10th: Emerson M. Middle School Co-Champions: Jessica G. & Leah M. and Daniela A. & Mira K. Quarterfinalists: Kathryn L. & Mabelle L. and Arav B. & Jaylen D. Speaker Awards: 1st: Jessica G. 2nd: Leah M. 3rd: Mabelle L. 10th: Kathryn L. Congress 7th: Avi Agrawal (securing a BID to the TOC!) Congratulations to all of our students for another successful tournament of bids, championships, and fun! On to the next!
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Potomac secures Harvard CHAMPIONSHIP and more!
WOW! This past weekend has been truly a debate extravaganza.
As in the wise words of Coach Noah, “Debaters, regardless of your competitive record, I hope you know how proud the coaches are of your efforts preparing for, and competing at this tournament. I promise you, if you ask any coach or any of the many teams who had competitive success this weekend, they will tell you that you learn far more from your losses than your wins. HOLD YOUR HEADS UP HIGH!”
That said, we would like to recognize the following individuals for their achievements:
49th Harvard National Forensics Tournament
High School Congressional Debate
Quarterfinalists: Armaan S. & Avi A. - EARNING A GOLD BID TO THE 2023 TOC!
Avi and Armaan are now fully qualified to the Tournament of Champions, the most competitive debate tournament in the country; they’re the first students in Potomac’s Congress program to bid and to be fully qualified! GO ARMAAN & AVI!
High School Varsity Public Forum Semifinalists: Ruth D. & Aaron T. - EARNING A GOLD BID TO THE 2023 TOC!
Ruth and Aaron placed in the top 4 of 326 varsity debate teams. This is a massive achievement at one of the hardest tournaments in the country! GO RUTH & AARON!
Triple Octofinalists (Top 64): Benjamin T. & Luke W. and Preston L. & Zayd P. We also want to recognize Brooke C. & Carol L and Digonto C. & Dhira V. for having a 4-2 record!
Speaker Awards: 5th: Ruth D.
Ruth ranked as the 5th best speaker out of more than 620 students competing in Harvard’s varsity tournament! GOOOO RUTTHHHHH.
High School JV Public Forum Triple Octofinalists (Top 64): Ella L. & Thomas W.
Middle School Public Forum Co-Champions: Diya B. & Ayan M. + Roselyn B. & Tiffany T.
The teams above CLOSED OUT HARVARD’S MS DIVISION!!!! Meaning, they took home 1st and 2nd place respectively out of 119 teams from across the country!
Quarterfinalists (Top 8): Daniela A. & Mira K. Octafinalists (Top 16): Anika B. & Kaylynn Y. and Amber W. &a Natalie Z. Double Octafinalists (Top 32): Aahana G. & Cady W. and Maanit K. & Ava Y. Triple Octafinalists (Top 64): Rishik S. & Alex Y. and Veer P. & Samarth S. and Veda D. & Anthony L. and Nathaniel D. & Josh K.
Speaker Awards: 7th: Roselyn B. 10th: Tiffany T. 13th: Anika B. 15th: Amber W. 18th: Nathaniel D. The 2023 Milo Cup at Millard North High School Varsity Public Forum Semifinalists: Angela G. & Abigail H. - EARNING A GOLD BID TO THE 2023 TOC! Octofinalists: Grace L. & Katherine X.
Speaker Awards: 2nd: Katherine X. 5th: Abigail H. 9th: Grace L. 18th: Angela G. Finally, MAJOR CONGRATULATIONS to our super team of Kaden C., Jonathan F., Alex L., Derek M., Lily P., and Evelyn S. for advancing to the SWEET 16 ROUND! This means they are now officially within the Top 16 of teams and will continue onward in the 2022-2023 The International Public Policy Forum. Press release is available here: https://www.ippfdebate.com/announcing-the-2022-23-sweet-16
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POTOMAC TAKES HOME 1 CHAMPION, 1 SILVER, AND 2 GOLD BIDS!
This past weekend, our middle and high school students competed at the online North American Debate Circuit Amethyst Tournament and Stanford, as well as in-person at UPenn in Philadelphia!
Without further ado, here are further results:
North American Debate Circuit Amethyst Tournament High School Champions: Raymond M. & Edwin C. Speaker Awards: 1st: Raymond M. 7th: Edwin C. 10th: Emerson M.
Middle School Varsity Semifinalists: Jaylen D. & Charles L. Speaker Awards: 3rd: Charles L. 7th: Jaylen D. 9th: Gabriel C. Middle School Novice Speaker Awards: 7th: Neha N.
Stanford
High School TOC Quarterfinalists: Abigail H. & Benjamin T. ALSO EARNING A GOLD BID TO THE 2023 TOC! Double Octafinalists: Grace L. & Katherine X. ALSO EARNING A SILVER BID TO THE 2023 TOC! Triple Octafinalists: Digonto C. & Dhira V.
High School Open Octafinalists: Hasini G. & Tvisha T., Eshan D. & Sonali S.
Middle School Open Octafinalists: Amber W. & Natalie Z. Double Octafinalists: Urvi B. & Jonah K.
Speaker Awards: 8th: Jonah K.
University of Pennsylvania High School Varsity Semifinalists: Ruth D. & Aaron T. ALSO EARNING A GOLD BID TO THE 2023 TOC!
GREAT WORK TEAM!
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February Intramural & Tufts-Harvard Results!
This past weekend marked our first intramural of 2023 and a STELLAR performance at the Tufts-Harvard tournament! Without further ado, here are our results from the online Tufts-Harvard and our very own February Intramural!
Tufts-Harvard Tournament Middle School: Quarterfinalists: Amber W. & Natalie Z., Claire G. & Shona K. HS Open: Quarterfinalists: Anna J. & Keerthi T.
Potomac February Intramural Elementary School & Middle School Novice: 1st: Chloe P. & Iris A. 2nd: Harshiv S. & Aru-Ai K. 3rd: Aaraiz S. & Jiyu C. 4th: Umar B. & Jayden D.
Top Speakers: 1st: Aaraiz S. 2nd: Chloe P. 3rd: Jiyu C. 4th: Kavin L. 5th: Kavya S.
Middle School Junior Varsity: Co-Champions: Christine L. & Maya B. and Sam S. and Leah M. 2nd: Aliya S. & & Adelina E. 4th: Ryna C. & Aniruddh D.
Top Speakers: 1st: Ryna C. 2nd: Adelina E. 3rd: Aliya S. 4th: Aniruddh D. 5th: Nikhil N.
PF Middle School Open & High School Open: 1st: Eric Z. & Kelly J. 2nd: Jonah K. & Anay K. 3rd: Charles L. & Jaylen D. 4th: Isaac L. & Stella F.
Speakers: 1st: David Z. 2nd: Jaylen D. 3rd: Charles L. 4th: Anay K. 5th: Rhea F.
Top Congress Debaters: Novice: Tyler M. JV: Rainger Y. Varsity: Emma L. Special shoutout to Emma for serving as our PRESIDING OFFICER!
Next up, UPenn, NADC Amethyst Cup & Stanford!
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Results from this past weekend!
Last weekend, our students competed at the Columbia University Invitational and the Harvard Debate International PF Championships, highlighting yet another weekend of growth, fun, and success!
See the results below!
Columbia University Invitational High School Varsity Division: Quarters: Jonathan F. & Alex L. EARNING A GOLD BID AND FULLY QUALIFYING FOR TOC! Double Octo-finalists: Abigail H. & Benjamin T. Triple Octo-finalists: Ruth D. & Aaron T. and Zack L. and Ryan X.
Harvard Debate International PF Championships: High School Varsity Division: Quarter-finalists: Eric Z. & Kevin X. Octo-finalists: Preston L. & Zayd Patel and Rachel B. & Renia A.
Speaker Awards: 8th Place Speaker: Preston Lieu 11th Place Speaker: Zayd Patel
High School Junior Varsity and Middle School (MS/JV) Division: Champions: Ayan M. & Diya B. Octo-finalists: Kaylynn Y. & Anika B. and Cady W. & Aahana G.
Speaker Awards: 2nd Place Speaker: Cady W. 5th Place Speaker: Anika B. 12th Place Speaker: Kaylynn Y.
High School Novice Division: Speaker Awards: 15th Place Speaker: Lavinia U.
Congratulations!
We will have results from THIS weekend posted very soon!
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Captain’s Corner: Coming back from tough losses
“You win some, you learn some.”
When my captain first advised my ninth grade self, I didn’t believe him. As an aspiring varsity debater ready to embark on the national circuit, all I could imagine was winning.
Just a few months later, I would go on to lose four straight rounds at my first varsity tournament. After another few weeks, I would debate at seven tournaments back-to-back without ever advancing into eliminations. As I came face-to-face with the grim reality of the difficulties that we often encounter in competitive debate, winning felt all but impossible.
Demoralized. Frustrated. Disheartened.
It was in these moments I, like many others, wanted to give up. Forget debate. End this chapter of my life and begin the next.
Yet each time I’d push myself to move on, I refused to leave behind the captains I looked up to, teammates I connected with, and activity I loved. Though I was hesitant at first, I gave debate a fresh start because I could see and experience the inherent value of the activity and, even, of losing. By shifting my perspective, I was able to push myself out of the corner I had been trying to escape from. Instead of seeing losing as failure, I came to see losing as a learning opportunity. Though my partner and I continued to lose in elimination rounds, I finally found joy in debate again.
There will undoubtedly come moments when debate becomes tough, rounds become difficult to win, and judges become impossible to convince. But hang in there. Keep those same six words in the back of your mind, knowing that whether your losses discourage or inspire you is a personal choice.
Find ways to learn from your experiences. Rather than spending hours agonizing over each defeat, watch successful teams debate and follow them between rounds as they study new arguments and craft better responses. Debate yourself in front of the mirror, continuously critiquing your speeches and asking how you can improve. Organize practice debates with your teammates and friends at libraries, taking advantage of every opportunity you have.
Four years and nearly thirty tournaments later, I live by the saying and encourage everyone to do the same. No matter how hard you persist and how hard you try, winning is not the most important. It is what we take away from our losses that truly matters. Most importantly, it is the philosophy of stop at nothing to improve and remember to always come back stronger that carries the day.
After all, “You win some, you learn some.”
-Captain Raymond
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Way to Start 2023!
POTOMAC TAKES HOME ANOTHER GOLD AND SILVER BID!
But first...
MAJOR NEWS: Potomac Debate is proceeding to the Round of Top 32 for IPPF! :) Press release available here
Our high school students also kicked off the new year by competing at Sunvite! Congratulations to Quarterfinalists: Cooper L. & Christopher T. who earned a GOLD BID to the 2023 TOC and to Double Octofinalists: Zack L. & Ryan X. who earned a SILVER BID to the 2023 TOC!
Happy 2023 :).
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NADC Turquoise Cup & Winter Cup Results
This past weekend we attended the NADC Turquoise Cup and the Winter Cup online. In every division, we dominated. Let’s take a look… NADC Turquoise Cup
High School Novice: Finals (Top 2): Amaani R. & Vyshnav R. (special congratulations for them for competing in the Varsity pool before breaking out into Novice Finals!!) High School Varsity: Quarters (Top 8): Emi M. & Swati S. Middle School Varsity: Huge congratulations to Potomac BY & Potomac WZ for closing out finals!! Champion: Amber W. & Natalie Z. (PLUS FOR GOING UNDEFEATED AND WINNING EVERY ROUND) Finals (Top 2): Anika B. & Kaylynn Y. Middle School Novice: Huge congratulations to Potomac ES & Potomac AY for closing out finals AND for both teams not dropping a SINGLE BALLOT the entire tournament!! Co-Champions: Rahul A. & Prisha Y. Adelina E. & Aliya S. Semifinals (Top 4): Rebecca L. & Muhammad S.
Winter Cup: Quarters (Top 8): Veer P. & Samarth S.
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