Small In Number, But Mighty In Results, High School Debate Team Advances To States

Small in number but mighty in results, the Daniel Hand Debate team advances 8 students to the State Competition to take place March 24th in Wilton, CT. Juniors Hank Cohen, Cathy Guo, Dan Lyons and Arthur Wilkens will compete at the varsity level. Junior Tom Sullivan; Sophomores Cathy Peng and Colie Fahey; and freshman Blake Bruecher, will be competing in the novice division.

Coach Martin Glasser has found this year’s team unique in its composition and competition.

“What’s unusual about this year’s team,” says Glasser, “...is its youth. We have had one senior participate all year; the rest are underclassmen. We don’t have many members this year, but those who do participate are extremely committed and enthusiastic.”

“For the first time,” Glasser said, “a duo, Hank Cohen and Catherine Guo – competed twice for a tournament championship, which included a win in Glastonbury (where the topic was “Resolved: The UN should accept Palestine as a member state”); and a second place finish in Darien (where the topic was “Resolved: The U.S. should significantly increase investment in micro generation”).

Competitors in Connecticut High School Debate must be prepared to support and negate the resolution. Glasser says “Hank’s analytical skills and Cathy’s oratorical ability complement their talent in a unique and convincing fashion.”

The state competition will be held in Wilton, CT on March 24th.