Over Presidents' Day weekend, Sierra Canyon's Upper School Speech and Debate Team competed in the prestigious Cal Invitational Debate Tournament at UC Berkeley.
Six students from Grades 10-12—Ryley B. '25, Ethan G. '25, John X. '26, Harry J. '26, Samaya B. '27, and Nathan G. '27—proudly represented Sierra Canyon in the Public Forum event, showcasing remarkable growth from previous years. Competing against teams from 22 states, they demonstrated their dedication and skill on a national stage. John and Harry advanced to the first elimination round in the highly competitive Junior Varsity (JV) category, finishing among the top 32 teams out of 123. Notably, both John and Harry earned recognition as two of the top 11 speakers in their division.
Reflecting on the competition, John remarked, "This year, we proved that we could compete at the level of the top teams. The important skill is persistence. As long as you put in consistent effort in practice—reciting speeches, refining your case, and formulating clear rebuttals, success will follow." The team now focuses on the upcoming Tri-County Forensic League State Qualifying Tournament, where two teams will compete in the Public Forum event to earn a spot in the May California High School Speech Association State Championships.
At Sierra Canyon, Speech and Debate is a signature program that blends academic rigor with experiential learning. It encourages students to broaden their perspectives while providing exposure to both the surrounding community and the wider world.
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