School District Superintendent Dr. Watlington and City Councilmember-at-Large Isaiah Thomas Joined ASAP Debate Finals
“Thank you for putting yourself in a position to mentor and learn from each other.”
– Councilmember-at-Large, Isaiah Thomas
2024 ASAP Debate High School League Finals
On April 3, 2024, dozens of the School District of Philadelphia’s best debaters competed for top honors at the ASAP Debate High School League Finals. Students competed against students from across the city by presenting pro and con arguments on the following topic:
The finals were the culminating event of the season, with students honed from nine previous matches (in addition to Pennsylvania High School Speech League State Championships, where several students made top 8 in multiple events).
Competing ASAP Debate High School League Teams
- Northeast High School
- Masterman
- Academy at Palumbo
- Central High School
- Philadelphia High School for Girls
- William W. Bodine High School
- Hardy Williams High School
After the debate round, students, volunteer judges, and ASAP debate coaches and staff were excited to hear concluding remarks from guests including Philadelphia City Councilmember-At-Large Isaiah Thomas.
Thomas, a strong supporter of ASAP and the Chair of the Council’s Education Committee, couldn’t make it in person due to budget meetings, but made sure to Zoom in to offer students encouragement.
Next guest: Philadelphia School District Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Sr
Other esteemed speakers included Philadelphia School District Superintendent Dr. Tony B. Watlington Sr. who emphasized the positive impact of participating in after school debate.
As a result of touring the event, Watlington said he would:
After speeches, varsity and novice debate participants received trophies and medals reflecting their standings after a competitive season.
ASAP Debate High School League: Top Varsity Teams
- 1st- Masterman – Ana Sorrentino and Ray Eggerts
- 2nd- Academy at Palumbo – Rose Semmel and Una Cutrone
- 3rd- Masterman- Tova Albert and Jessica Jesteen
- 4th- Masterman – Nabilah Chowdhury and Taylor Samara- Reuter
Northeast had a lot to celebrate!
While ASAP is proud of its varsity competitors, we are also excited about the students coming up in the ranks! Notably, Northeast High School won the ASAP Debate Novice Division!
In addition to a school trophy, longtime coach Theresa Bramwell was awarded the ASAP Debate High School Coach of the Year. Among many attributes, Coach Bramwell is dedicated to her role in leading Philadelphia youth after school and helping her students become the best debaters and future citizens of the community. We cannot thank her enough for her efforts!
FUN FACT: First place teammates Ana Sorrentino and Ray Eggerts made top eight in Public Forum Debate at states in March.
ASAP is so proud of all its high school debate league participants, and is excited to help students polish their public speaking and research skills this summer at ASAP’s Summer Speech Academy July 15 – 19 at George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science (registration coming soon!).
ASAP Debate is made possible through the support of:
the City of Philadelphia, the Office of Children and Families, Penn for Youth Debate, and the School District of Philadelphia.
Professional photos credited to:
Rachel Utain-Evans Photography
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