Westglades Middle School Shines at Statewide Speech and Debate Tournament

by Sharon Aron Baron April 13, 2025

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Westglades Middle School Shines at Statewide Speech and Debate Tournament 3

Speech and debate coach Brooke Pappas pictured with her students at Westglades Middle School. {courtesy}

Westglades Middle School’s Speech and Debate Team earned top honors at the Florida Forensics League (FFL) State Speech and Debate Tournament, held April 11–12 at John I. Leonard High School in Greenacres.

Competing against more than 250 students from 24 schools across Florida, Westglades brought 24 seventh and eighth-grade students to the tournament. Fourteen advanced to final rounds in a range of competitive events, including impromptu speaking, interpretation, congressional debate, and public forum.

Speech and debate teacher Brooke Pappas wanted to highlight just how proud she was of all the students who worked hard to prepare for this rigorous and challenging tournament.“It takes a great deal of bravery for them to compete at this level. All of the students who competed left as stronger competitors.”

Pappas also acknowledged the vital support of parents who volunteered as judges, adding, “Our team is incredibly grateful for their support.”

Reflecting on the tournament, Pappas said her favorite part was seeing students support one another. “I loved watching them cheer for one another and hype each other up. It is not always about the trophies, but the memories and relationships that we share together from this experience.”

Westglades Finalists and Award Winners:

Impromptu Speaking Semifinalists: Angela Abad Gietl, Gabriella Duman
Public Forum Semifinalists: Aariv Chawla, Kevin Ventura, Andrea Win, Ivanshi Gadani
Congressional Debate Finalist: Ira Kumar
Informative Speaking: Camryn Walker – 4th Place; Briana Loo Martinez – 1st Place
Duo Interpretation: Rexford Lee and Joaquin Vasiliadis – 3rd Place
Dramatic Interpretation: Angelique Kramer – 3rd Place
Public Forum Debate: Shane Johnson and Ashton Shah – 1st Place

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Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.