Article by Phoenix writer Cristina Palmieri ’25:
Kellenberg’s esteemed Speech and Debate Team qualified three members for the New York State Forensic League State Tournament, held at the Bronx High School of Science.
The tournament was held over the course of two days, Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13. Top schools from all over the state attended the competition. The Kellenberg team succeeded despite the many other accomplished teams at the tournament.
Representing the team were Freshman Jillian McLaughlin, Sophomores Shannon White and Luca DiCicco, and Senior Paulina Barnjak.
Jillian, Shannon, and Luca all competed in the Original Interpretation category, all proving to be great young talents on the team. Paulina Barnjak competed in the Original Oratory category. Not only did she reach the semi-finals, but she also placed top ten in the state for her category.
Shannon White shared, “There were lots of people there from all over the state, and it was cool to see such a good level of talent all in one place.”
The Speech and Debate Team looks forward to competing at the National Tournament in Chicago at the end of May, for which ten members qualified. Good luck to all those competing!