Students compete at national level

Five students from Canfield High School qualified to and competed at the 2015 National Speech and Debate Association’s National Tournament in Dallas, Texas from June 14-19. Those individuals were Mia Battaglia, Zachery Bernat, Stephen Gant, Alec Kan and Cameron Maras.

Four of them advanced beyond preliminary competition and received official recognition for their accomplishments. The Public Forum Debate Team of Stephen Gant and Mia Battaglia (both seniors) finished in the Top 18 teams at the national tournament. Zachery Bernat, a sophomore, advanced to the National Quarter-finals, placing in the Top 30 in Humorous Interpretation at the national tournament. Alec Kan, a junior, advanced to the National Semifinals, placing in the Top 70 in Congressional Debate-House.

Canfield also earned recognition for qualifying to and competing at its 20th National Speech and Debate Tournament. Jeremy Hamilton, Director of the Canfield Speech and Debate Team, provided additional perspectives.

“These students did an exemplary job of representing our team, Canfield Local Schools, and themselves in Dallas,” Hamilton said. “In my 10 years coaching, this is quite possibly our best collective performance at the national tournament. It is an excellent ending to another stellar season, which included finishing in third place as a team at the state tournament. The talent and dedication demonstrated by our team members throughout the school year makes such accomplishments possible and provides for a truly enjoyable and beneficial activity.”

“The National Tournament showcases the brightest and most talented students in the country,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the National Speech and Debate Association.

More than 4,000 students representing more than 1,200 schools competed at the National Speech and Debate Tournament this year.