Not debatable: Middle School forensics and debate team success

Middle School debaters and forensics competitors stayed busy this fall with a debate invitational in Hartland and two state competitions in Mt. Pleasant.

The Middle School competitive public speaking program expanded this year to include debate as well as Individual Events (IE). Both programs are sponsored by the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association, the host for both fall state tournaments at Central Michigan University.

The debate team, coached by Riyaz Kanji and Sam Bagenstos, numbered 11 students — an excellent start for the program. Greenhills ranked as the first place program at the state tournament, capping off a good season which began with many individual honors at the first invitational.

The Individual Events forensics team, coached by Barbara Ebeling, Caroline Huntoon, Gary Lehman, Marsha Mumm, Katie Rieder, and numerous high school competitors, had 45 student participants, with two event champions, seven finalists, 18 semifinalists, and four blue ribbon winners.

Both teams enjoyed enormous success. Here are the results from the MIFA Middle Level Individual Events (Forensics) Tournament, the Middle Level State Debate Tournament, and the Hartland “Eagle” Invitational Debate Tournament.