News Schools

Westglades Middle School Speech and Debate Team Displays Talent, Teamwork, and Resilience at MAST 2

by Ryan Yousefi October 30, 2024

174Shares

Westglades Middle School Speech and Debate Team Displays Talent, Teamwork, and Resilience at MAST 2

Westglades Middle School’s Speech and Debate Team. {courtesy}

Westglades Middle School’s Speech and Debate Team was back in action as the squad shined at the MAST 2.

The tournament — which took place on October 22 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — featured 105 students, who brought home an impressive 35 medals.

Brooke Pappas, the school’s speech and debate team coach, tells Parkland Talk one specific act of sportsmanship and leadership that stood out during the competitions when a 6th-grade duo team was on the verge of withdrawal due to one partner’s last-minute unavailability before a student stepped in to save the day.

“Traditionally, both partners would have to withdraw in this situation. However, upon learning of the issue, Ayan Mehta, an 8th grader, stepped in without hesitation,” Pappas said. “He quickly taught the remaining 6th-grade partner the event of Impromptu, ensuring that this student could still compete.”

While most will remember the 35 medals the team took home, Pappas shares that, for her, watching the moment unfold was the most genuine reward she brought home from the experience and what will stick with the team most as they prepare for their next tournament, scheduled for November 21, also at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

“This leadership and empathy from Ayan embody the values we strive to instill in our team. Above all the medals, this moment will stand out as the WIN from MAST 2.”

I am incredibly proud of our students for demonstrating integrity, empathy, and unwavering support for their teammates.

Below are the students who earned recognition for their outstanding performances at MAST 2:

6th Grade

Bianca Thakur
Sahithya Gudegouda Muddurajaveera
Logan Hoffman
Ayla Harper
Julia Pearson
Hande Kizikli
Ellen Salame
Kairos Gonzalez
Suhas Indukuri
Giulia Matias
Liv Sundquist
Diana Bildebayeva
Rebecca Budraj

7th Grade

Wyatt Van Eck
Ira Kumar
Angie Abad Gietl
Camryn Walker
Sofia Sawhney
Gaby Lugo
Perri Teitzman
Oliver Boulton
Chase Adjodha
Xander Damier
Shivanshi Pathak
Melinda Guan
Paisley Mena
Melanie Keil

8th Grade

Rexford Lee
Joaquin Vasiliadis
Lily Bradford
Gabriella Duman
Jax Subko
Briana Loo Martinez
Noah Finkelstein
Max Goldstein

Send your news to Parkland’s #1 Award-Winning News Source, Parkland Talk. Don’t Miss Tamarac Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, and Margate Talk.

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.