PHS Graduates compete at National Speech & Debate Tournament

Areeb Ahmed and Max Rossi, recent graduates from Perrysburg High School, travelled with head coach Debra Kemp to compete in the 2017 National Speech and Debate Tournament held in Birmingham, Alabama from June 17 to 23. Areeb Ahmed, a four-time state qualifier in International Extemporaneous Speaking, was able to take his experience to the next level on the national stage competing in both International Extemporaneous and Extemp Debate. Max Rossi represented Western Ohio as a Senator in the Congressional Debate Student Congress. Max progressed to the semi-finalist chamber, which is further than any Perrysburg student has ever advanced. In the fall, Ahmed will attend The Ohio State University and Rossi will attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

The National Speech & Debate Tournament marks the capstone of high school speech and debate activities for nearly 130,000 students around the country. The National Tournament is the largest academic contest in the world, which has run continuously since 1931 and awards students more than $200,000 in college scholarships. To attend, students must place among the top competitors at one of 110 District Tournaments throughout the United States. Final rounds are judged by blue ribbon panels including CEOs, former Cabinet members, stage and screen celebrities, sponsors and acclaimed community members in addition to the most honored and accomplished coaches in the country. Perrysburg High School Speech and Debate Team has had 15 national appearances and twenty five national qualifiers since re-establishing the Charter in 1999.