GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — Scholars kicked off the debate season with an impressive performance at their first tournament of the year, earning multiple top finishes and individual honors at a competition hosted by Birch Run High School on Oct. 3.
A team of 25 high school and middle school scholars represented GRPS at the tournament, which marked the first competition under the leadership of new coach John Vanden Heuvel, a GRPS teacher.
The team brought home six trophies across public forum and congressional debate events, while seven students competed in their first-ever debate tournament.
In varsity public forum debate, the team of Colette Crowley and Mithil Joshi captured first place. GRPS also secured second place in the division, with Ayan Shukla and Varun Vijay earning runner-up honors.
Crowley was recognized as the tournament's top varsity public forum speaker, while Joshi earned second place in the speaker awards.
GRPS students also found success in congressional debate. Ayaan Gupta placed fourth overall, and Fiona Rodrigues finished fifth.
