Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

DEBATE-Kansas City’s (DKC) competitive season began with the Hallmark Sponsored Tournament at University Academy on Tuesday, October 14^th. Nearly 150 debaters from ten different schools competed in policy debate and student congress, which was 30 more competitors than last year. In fact, since Hallmark began sponsoring the season-opening tournament in 2012 it has nearly tripled in size.

“Hallmark is proud to support this important program and these bright students. The skills they learn in debate, like critical-thinking and creativity, help them get ahead and stay there,” said Cora Storbeck, Vice President of the Hallmark Corporate Foundation.

Support from Hallmark and other sponsors has been critical to DKC’s recent growth. The high school league in particular has expanded and that enabled an exciting addition to this year’s tournament: a junior varsity division.

“Seeing a junior varsity division on the schedule for the first time in years was a really big deal,” said Gabe Cook, DKC’s Executive Director. “Having a division in between novice (beginners) and varsity (advanced) is critical for keeping second year debaters and creating depth throughout the league.”

The novice division was also the largest it has been in a number of years with 40 policy debate entries. This means DKC has nearly 100 first year debaters that could represent a wave of talent to further solidify the high school league.

“This is most novice debaters we’ve had in years and it bodes well for the future of DKC,” said Isaac Allen, DKC’s Program Director. “It is our mission to keep these young debaters in our league by providing them quality tournament experiences and support throughout the season.”

The increased number of entries stretched the wonderful facilities at the host school University Academy (UA). Fortunately, the UA debate team is coached by DKC Hall of Famer Jane Rinehart and she was able use her experience to keep everything running smooth. She found every possible room the school had available, including a couple quiet hallways, and made sure young debaters were able to find their competition rooms.

After two rounds DKC compiled results for three division of policy debate and a full room of student congress. Sumner Academy had the best showing, taking first place in school sweepstakes, but a number of schools performed well. Lincoln Prep and Washington also took home sweepstakes prizes while students from University Academy, Wyandotte and newcomer Allen Village all took home trophies.