The Bethany Christian High School debate team opened its season at the Northeast Indiana Fall Congress on Saturday, and many students turned in notable performances.
(L-R): Sefu, Isaya Magatti, Skiles, Evan Gutierrez, Jenny Rios, Schlabach, Bennett, Lind, Schloneger, Unziker, Finnigan, Preston Miller, Garrett Hufford
On the varsity side, seniors Elena Unzicker and Margo Finnigan each placed third in their respective chambers, with sophomores Bennett Brown and Desmond Lind placing fifth and sixth, respectively, in theirs.
Debating for the first time ever in high school, freshman Kip Skiles nabbed third in his chamber, with sophomores Thomas Schlabach taking fifth and Eli Schloneger sixth in theirs, respectively.
For their efforts on the day, Lind earned his second NFL degree, Honor, and Schloneger his first, Merit. The National Forensic League or NFL is the nation's oldest honorary society for high school speech and debate.
Senior Eviella Sefu served as presiding officer for a novice chamber, also providing a workshop on how presiding in a chamber works. Two pieces of legislation authored by Bennett were chosen by the 50 students present to be debated at the District Congressional Debate tournament in January.
The team hosts a debate tournament on 18 October.