This year the Benet Academy debate team is back in action. In 2022, the once prominent team disbanded after the coach moved to Colorado. This past year, juniors Kiki Sobkowiak and Laura O’Neill set out to restore the once distinguished team. These passionate juniors worked diligently to persuade the faculty and staff of the debate team’s importance. After nine optimistic months of waiting, Laura O’Neill and Kiki Sobkowiak finally heard back. Dedicated English teacher Mrs. Savage offered to coach the team. Although Mrs. Savage had no prior experience with Debate, she quickly became an expert; and with help from Kiki and Laura, they prepared for a very successful season.

These three individuals accomplished a remarkable feat. They single-handedly built the debate team from the ground up. Since reintroducing the debate team, Benet Academy has successfully participated in five competitions. Junior Laura O’Niell victoriously took home a speaker award, while other teams did an outstanding job as well.

Although the Benet Academy debate team faced many setbacks, their determination ultimately prevailed. Sophomore Bridget Hasenauer commented, “I have learned so much from Kiki, Laura, and Mrs. Savage over the past few months. I am so grateful for their dedication and commitment to this team. I am so excited to participate in future competitions, and increase my love for debate!”