Dear Wellington Debate Classes of 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, and their parents and guardians:
Thank you to everyone who attended our end-of-the-year Wellington Speech & DeBanquet last night – roughly 90 students, parents, and guests were in attendance at the Wanderers Club (including WHS c/o 1991 debater Sara Altschuler and my mother, Adele Band). It was wonderful to meet with and talk with you on such a wonderful occasion!
An AMAZING “THANK YOU” to Sue Ann McDaniel, Michelle Gardner, Emma Gardner, and Ewa Tryniszewski, for helping to organize the banquet this year. From setting up the centerpieces and tables to decorating the banquet hall with a “Back to the ’80s” theme to setting up the slideshow and music, they helped make the evening wonderful for everyone. I am blessed to have their support and appreciate everything they have done.
It was a wonderful success, and I will miss all of the seniors who were both in attendance and unable to make it: Lauren Beer, Rylee Bleakley, Ray Estevez, Valentina Franchello Nocetti, Colin Gibson, David Goldberg, Julien Hourdebaigt, Caitlyn Klimek, Jaden Manrodt, Dylan Marks, Paul Miller, Mason Satterwhite, Liam Stines, Isabella Tombari, and McKenna Wickers. There were plenty of laughs, a few tears, a ton of stories  I VAGUELY remember, a few stories I definitely DID NOT remember (I’m pleading the fifth), and numerous outstanding Kodak moments. BTW, my mom – who was in attendance – was blown away by the seniors who told their stories last night!
I hope the seniors enjoy the various gifts they received – their honor cords, NSDA certificates, letters, and bars; the college-colored Wellington Speech & Debate polos; the inspirational-quote magnet; and the John C. Maxwell books on leadership. I hope they provide you inspiration, downtime entertainment, lots of personal reflection, and financial guidance for your very bright futures. I also hope the additional fun gifts are a daily reminder to make time for yourself and have fun along the way.
On a personal note, I especially offer my sincere gratitude for the kind words, amazing thank you cards, and gifts I received from the seniors, their parents, and the team as a whole. The “Starry Starry Star Wars Night” framed poster will find a place in the classroom!
Also, seniors, if you wish to donate trophies to the debate room, we would be honored to display them for future debaters to drool over.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023 – you are definitely a special group, and will be missed dearly!
DALE McCALL “SPIRIT OF DEBATE” GOLDEN GAVEL – Isabella Tombari
NSDA ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN – Colin Gibson