During a recent government meeting, the spotlight was on the Concord Carlisle High School (CCHS) debate team, which achieved remarkable success at the national tournament in Des Moines, Iowa. The team was recognized for their outstanding performance, particularly highlighting sophomore Anthony, who won the national title in international extemporaneous speaking—a feat unprecedented for a sophomore in this competitive arena.
The meeting featured a heartfelt acknowledgment of the team's accomplishments, with special mention of an article by Felicity that detailed their journey to nationals, covering a range of topics from North Korea to pop culture. The coach, who has a long history in debate coaching, shared insights into the team's preparation and the challenges they faced, emphasizing the hard work and dedication of all team members.
In addition to Anthony's individual success, the coach noted that both Anthony and fellow team member Noah Arthur will return next year as automatic qualifiers, having ranked 9th in the country. The coach also presented a plaque to Anthony's mother, recognizing her support throughout the season.
The meeting underscored the importance of debate as a skill set that can lead to significant future opportunities, with the coach drawing parallels to past participants who have gone on to advise presidents. The celebration of the debate team's achievements not only highlighted their individual talents but also fostered a sense of community pride in their accomplishments.