Ten members of the Wellington Speech & Debate Team took home honors from the first competition of 2025 on Saturday, January 11 at West Boca HIgh School.
In Congressional Debate, Emma Gardner earned first place in her chamber, while Patrick McDermott placed second. Richard Tanton finished fifth, and both Gilberto Quintanilla Chapa and Colten Pride placed sixth.
In Program of Oral Interpretation, Madison Neltner finished third. In Duo Interpretation, Neltner and Olivia Winton finished fourth. Melody Pratz placed fourth in Extemporaneous Speaking, and Genesis Cabrera fifth in Oral Interpretation of Literature.
Wellington students earned five National Speech & Debate Association honor society degrees. Madison Neltner earned her Degree of Special Distinction, surpassing 500 points. Three students – Genesis Cabrera, Quinn Mawhinney, and Anthony Morgan – earned their Degree of Honor, and will receive their varsity letter at the spring banquet in April. And Joshua Lemy earned his Degree of Merit and membership in the NSDA.