Seventeen Wellington Speech & Debate students brought home hardware and accolades from the PBCFL All-Congress at Suncoast on Saturday, September 14, in a great showing at the first speech and debate competition of the 2024-25 championship season.
Among first-year “novice” debaters, Leonardo Fernandez Castillo placed second in his chamber, as did Colten Pride. Placing fourth were Aliah Oliva, Caden Sahlberg, and Chloe Wijngaarde. Fifth place was earned by Quinn Mawhinney, while Anthony Morgan and Gwendolyn Mace each placed sixth. Three Red Dawn Debaters placed seventh in their respective chambers, just missing out on recognition: Jesse Santos, Eileen Gonzalez-Salcedo, and Riley Hidalgo-Gato. Overall, 20 first-year debaters earned at least one judge ranking at the tournament.
Among varsity members, Emma Gardner and Patrick McDermott placed first and second in their congressional chamber, while Jonathan Paul placed third and Richard Tanton took fourth. Five Wellington students earned gavels as their chambers’ presiding officer: Yhazaliyah Avila, Maddox Manriquez, Romessa Patel, Gilberto Quintanilla Chapa, and Ava Redfield.
Wellington earned eight new National Speech & Debate Association honor degrees and memberships this weekend. Earning the Degree of Distinction (surpassing 250 NSDA honor points) was Maddox Manriquez. Romessa Patel earned her Degree of Excellence (150+ NSDA honor points). Two students – Maggie Crum and Jordan-Anthony Scott – surpassed the 75-point plateau and earned the Degree of Honor, meaning they have earned their variety letter (which they will receive at the spring banquet) and the right to wear honor cords at their graduation ceremony. Four first-year students earned their NSDA Degree of Merit and membership in the largest high school public speaking honor society in the nation, thanks to their performance at Suncoast and their speeches at the Wellington Congressional Scrimmage this past Wednesday: Genesis Cabrera, Aliah Oliva, Kathryn Polcz, and Chloe Wijngaarde. All of these students will add or advance their Wellington Speech & Debateopoly pieces on the debate room bulletin board Monday morning.