The Bishop Connolly High School debate team made history last night in winning the Eastern Massachusetts Forensic League Championship. The Varsity Affirmative team of Melanie Pavão and Tim Valton defeated a very skilled Bishop Stang Negative team in a close match, bringing home the League Championship trophy. The championship was one of ten awards won by our debaters. Out of a field of 29 teams, the best varsity four-person team award was won by the Connolly A team of Melanie Pavão, Tim Valton, Zach Boutin, and Peter Menard. Melanie and Tim were also the best 2-person affirmative team in the entire league, while the Varsity Affirmative C team of Katie Tighe and Selic Borden won 7th place. The Connolly Negative A team of Zach Boutin and Peter Menard were the 2nd best negative team in the entire league, while the Negative B team of Jasiel Correia and Evan Catudal won 10th place. Many Connolly debaters also won individual debating awards at last night’s finals. Zach Boutin was named the 6th best speaker out of a field of 66 negative speakers. Tim Valton won the impressive honour of being named the best varsity affirmative speaker in the entire league of 65 speakers. Marianna Nava was named the 4th best affirmative speaker, while Selic Borden was named 7th best affirmative speaker. The Varsity Negative C team of Patricia Arruda and Matt Marujo were victorious in the final debate of their high school career, while the Novice Negative team of William Richtmyer and Alex Marceau looked to continue the great winning tradition of Connolly debate with their victory in the 9th round.

The Debate Team would like to thank all of the members of the Connolly community for their support over the past season; Mr Shay’s solidarity visits at the debate meets were very much appreciated. The team would especially like to thank Dr. Mulcare, Dr. Flavin, Mr. Varieur, Dr. Morissette, and Mr. Giuntoli for sacrificing many hours of their own personal time to serve as debate judges. The success of the debate program depends on our skilled judges’ generous gift of their time.

With a total of 19 awards over the course of the past two years, the Bishop Connolly Debate Team has eclipsed the success of the storied Connolly debate program of the early 1970s. All of these accomplishments would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of each team member. Connolly debate is a testament to the success that can be achieved through effort, perseverance, and team work. The professionalism and sportsmanship that were displayed by Connolly debaters throughout the entire season, even at the most difficult moments, earned the praise and respect of many debate coaches and judges. Connolly debaters were true ambassadors of the entire school community. Special thanks are in order for the captains who were prime exemplars of selfless leadership. Their commitment to excellence and their genuine concern for all team members represent the very best of Connolly and made them living embodiments of our school motto to be “not only hearers but doers of the Word”.

On a personal note, Mr. dos Santos would like to publicly express how proud he is of each and every member of the debate team for their hard work, dedication, and selfless concern for others. Great things can be accomplished when blessed with such great students.

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