The Wellington Debate and Forensic Team has been built on a long tradition of excellence, the talent and hard work of its members, and the support and encouragement of the administration of Wellington High School and the School District of Palm Beach County. Wellington has consistently been among the top five percent of all competitive debate programs in the United States, and is one of the largest programs in the state of Florida.
DEBATE MEET AND GREET: There will be a casual "Meet & Greet" icebreaker in the Debate Room (1-137) at Wellington High School immediately following the school's New Student Orientation on Thursday August 12. The orientation is at 7 p.m. This is the Thursday before classes begin, and offers the opportunity for novices and their parents to meet varsity and myself. Beverages and snacks will be provided.
2010-11 STUDENT OFFICERS: CO-PRESIDENT: John Cassel & Jack Townsend; CONGRESS CAPTAIN: Lee Parker; DEBATE CO-CAPTAINS: Rachel Ganon & Ryan Kennedy; INDIVIDUAL EVENTS CO-CAPTAINS: Valentina Ferreira, Darby Guyn & Nick Thibault; TREASURER/FUNDRAISING CAPTAIN: Sierra Pelizza; SUNSHINE/SOCIAL COORDINATOR: Rachael Piper. A student e-board meeting will take place MONDAY, AUGUST 9, in the Wellington HS Debate Room, at 2 pm. Bring creative ideas, legal pads, and writing utensils!
ALUMNI ASSISTANCE: Wellington Debate will be assisted in the classroom (and after school) by several former debaters. They are (in no particular order): Caitlyn Gross (WHS c/o 2006) - former Lincoln Douglas debater, also has background in Public Forum Debate and individual events; Chris Herron (PBCHS c/o 2007) - former Lincoln Douglas debater, also has background in Public Forum Debate and Policy Debate; Alex Hernicz (WHS c/o 2010) - former Lincoln Douglas debater; Brittany Smith (WHS c/o 2009) - former Student Congress debater; Josh Diamond (WHS c/o 2005) - former Policy debater; and Kelly-Ann Fasano (WHS c/o 2006) - former Lincoln Douglas debater.
DEBATE SCHOLARSHIPS: Three Wellington debaters were each awarded $500 Richard L. Cordis Jr. Memorial Scholarships to attend summer institutes. Rachel Ganon will be attending the Harvard Institute for Public Forum Debate, Ryan Kennedy the National Debate Forum for Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Michael Reynolds Summitt Debate's InterProd for Humorous Interpretation. In addition, Coach Paul L. Gaba was awarded the National Forensic League's Summer Coach Workshop Scholarship, which totaled $1,050, to attend the Florida Forensic Institute's National Coaches Institute, where he will focus on interpretation events.
2009-10 END-OF-YEAR ACCOLADES: "SPIRIT OF DEBATE" GOLDEN GAVEL - Jack Townsend; NFL 1,000 POINT PLATEAU - Alex Hernicz (1,212 - 2nd in Wellington history all time!), Michael Stechschulte (1,136 - 6th in Wellington history all time!); NFL ALL-AMERICAN AWARD - Alex Hernicz (based on four criteria: minimum 3.7 GPA; 2000+ SAT or 27+ ACT; 750+ NFL points on record; and demonstrated qualities of character, leadership and commitment by both the coach and principal)