Westglades Middle School Speech & Debate Team Defies Odds, Wins Big at High School Invitational

by Ryan Yousefi September 17, 2024

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Westglades Middle School Speech & Debate Team Defies Odds, Wins Big at High School Invitational

Westglades Middle School Speech & Debate Team {Brooke Pappas}

The Westglades Middle School Speech and Debate team recently shined once again in competition, this time in historic fashion.

They competed at the 27th Annual Wakefield Flying L Speech and Debate Invitational at Fort Lauderdale High School on September 14.

Traditionally reserved for high school students, this year’s tournament invited middle school participants, with Westglades being the only middle school participating.

Eighteen seventh and eighth-grade students represented Westglades, competing against varsity high school competitors.

Despite some initial nerves about competing against older competitors, Westglades Speech & Debate Coach Brooke Pappas told Parkland Talk that she assured her students they had what it took to shine on any stage, regardless of who stood next to them.

“There was a mix of emotions in the room. The students felt nervous, fearful, scared, and intimidated when they learned they would be competing against high schoolers at this tournament,” Pappas said of the student’s initial jitters. “Despite the initial apprehension, I reassured them that they belonged in that space just as much as anyone else and encouraged them not to let age or grade level overshadow their abilities.”

Pappas was proven correct by the end of the tournament as Westglades earned medals and trophies in four categories, with ten students receiving top honors.

Notable wins include:

1st place: Ira Kumar (Novice Congress)
1st place: Andrea Win and Ivanshi Gadani (Public Forum)
2nd place: Shane Johnson and Melinda Guan (Public Forum)
3rd place: Aariv Chawla and Kevin Ventura (Public Forum)
3rd place: Rexford Lee and Joaquin Vasiliadis (Duo Interp)
4th place: Briana Loo Martinez (Informative Speaking)

Pappas tells Parkland Talk she is immensely proud of her students’ accomplishments.

“I always remind students that there is no losing at tournaments; each tournament brings an opportunity to learn. This experience became a true confidence booster and a valuable lesson in resilience. I couldn’t be prouder of how they faced their fears head-on.”

Looking ahead, Westglades Middle School’s Speech and Debate team is preparing for its first Middle After School Tournament (MAST) on September 24. The busy season features one tournament each month.

They are also gearing up to launch their SNAP RAISE Fundraiser, which hopes to raise money to send selected students to state and national competitions this year.

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.