Woodlands Academy debaters succeed at Fremd tourney
The Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Debate Team made a strong showing at the William Fremd High School Invitational Debate Tournament in Palatine. Approximately 500 students from more than 30 area schools competed Saturday, Nov. 1.
With 5-0 records each, Woodlands Academy junior Marissa Howe of Hoffman Estates took first place in the Lincoln-Douglas novice division and junior Elena Gutierrez of Waukegan took second place in the JV division.
The team is in its second season following last year's revival under coach Kyle Schmitt.
The Fremd tournament debates dealt with the conflict between freedom of speech and privacy rights in today's world (Resolved: The "right to be forgotten" from Internet searches ought to be a civil right). Each girl had to argue each side of the resolution multiple times against different opponents.
Schmitt is proud of his team's individual achievements.
"As a coach, I subscribe to John Wooten's definition of success: 'Success is peace of mind that is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.' Marissa and Elena worked hard in preparing for the tournament in order to do their best, so they succeeded in my book. Winning awards at a tournament is a nice bonus."
Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women, and part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries.
A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy's identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and to serve.
For more information about Woodlands Academy, visit www.woodlandsacademy.org.
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