By Nick Monocchio

The Whitney Young Debate team is coming off of a strong season last year and is poised to make another deep run. They began their season last weekend in Lexington Kentucky, led by captain Keren Gekker  ‘18, at their first national tournament.  Their next national tournament is next weekend in Des Moines Iowa and they will be sending their A team of Gekker and Brandon Puchowitz ‘19 as well as their B team of Dorothy Tarasul ‘19 and Cathrine Jacob ‘19. The team’s first local tournament is on October 13th at Solorio High School where novice members and Junior Varsity members will be competing. Last year was very exciting for the team, Gloria Oladipo ‘17 and Eve Robinson ‘17 made history by being the first ever team of black women to make it to the quarter finals at the Tournament of Champions in Lexington, Kentucky.

Of the team’s chances this year, Keren Gekker had this to say, “The team is excited for this upcoming season thanks to the hard work and dedication of all the current and new debaters, as well as our coach Kevin Hirn. It is thanks to the administration’s unflinching support that we will be able to represent Whitney Young and debate tournaments across the country and continue bring success to the school.” Hopefully coach Hirn and Gekker can continue their dominance in debate this year.

Last year’s squad. Photo credits to Keren Gekker