News & Information

 

Debate Team Members Named All Americans, Earn Top Rankings Nationally & New York State

 Five Harrison High School Seniors, Rebecca Anderson, Giovanni Cutri, Anthony Kang, Sonali Nicola, and Molly Ryan, were named Academic All Americans by the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA). All of the students have competed on the HHS Debate Team since 9th grade.

According to the Association, "This coveted award recognizes academic rigor, competitive speech and debate success, and personal excellence. From more than 141,000 student members of the National Speech & Debate Association, fewer than 1% of students earn the Academic All American award every year.”

Students who earn this award have completed at least five semesters of high school; earned the degree of Superior Distinction in the Honor Society; achieved rigorous criteria for GPA and/or test scores; and demonstrated outstanding character and leadership qualities.

Harrison High School Principal, Kim Beukema stated, “I am incredibly proud of our debate All Americans, a well-deserved honor. Not only are they dedicated debaters, they are conscientious students and respected leaders in our school community.”  

Four HHS Debaters Rank in Top 10 

In addition to earning honors as Academic All Americans, four Harrison  debaters are ranked among the top ten Lincoln-Douglas debaters nationally by the NSDA, and six are ranked among the top 20.

 #1 - Giovanni Cutri '21

#3 - Rebecca Anderson '21

#9 - Ali Ahmad '22

#10 - Molly Ryan '21

#14 - Sonali Nicola '21

#21 - Anthony Kang '21

HHS Debaters Hold Top Six Spots in New York State

In New York State, Harrison Debate team members hold the top six Lincoln-Douglas debate spots, as well as #13, #14, #17, and #20:

 #1 - Giovanni Cutri '21

#2 - Rebecca Anderson '21

#3 - Molly Ryan '21

#4 - Ali Ahmad '22

#5 - Sonali Nicola '21

#6 - Anthony Kang '21

#13 - Elizabeth Murno '22

#14 - Mai Blaustein '22

#17 - Annie Chen '22

#20 - Jessie Pein '23

Currently, all debate tournaments this year will be held virtually, with students around the country competing either from home or from their schools. The online debate experience provides a great way for students to stay involved in the activity and continue to develop the skills that Debate offers. To prepare for tournaments, Debate coach, Mr. Hertzig has been holding practices remotely via Zoom.

 Mr. Hertzig is proud of the accomplishments earned by current team members, is excited for the upcoming debate season, and ready to welcome new debaters, since 9th grade students are the key to the team's future.