Tucson School Advances To 'Top 32' Round In International Debates

TUCSON, AZ ­— Five students from Tucson’s University High School have advanced into the “Round of 32” tier in an international debate contest that began with more than 150 teams from 19 countries and 28 U.S. states.

The 19th annual International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) debate contest provides an opportunity for high school students such as those from University High School to compete in oral and written debates on public policy issues. This year’s contest’s 150-plus entries were narrowed down to the Round of 64 teams in December, after judges reviewed each team’s 2,800-word essay on the topic: “Resolved: When in conflict, a nation’s self-interest should outweigh its international commitments to migrants.”

The 64 teams selected to advance then engaged in another written debate challenge that put their linguistic, research and advocacy skills to the test. Once again, University High School’s team was selected to advance in the competition, landing them a spot in the Round of 32.

The contest continues with a Round of 16 and a Round of 8 still to come. The final “Elite 8” teams chosen will embark on an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City in April to compete in the IPPF Finals oral debate competition. The judging panel will comprise professionals in debate, politics, law, business and academia.

The named IPPF Champion team will then receive the Brewer Cup and a $10,000 grand prize.

Tucson University High School’s debate team coach is James Lerch, while student team members are Delaney Barrow, Grace Driskill, Logan McGoldrick-Ruth, Samir Rein and Aerin McQuillen.

A team from Hamilton High School in Chandler was also named to the Round of 32.