Debate Team Earns 1–1 Finish at WISDAA Debate Festival

DELAFIELD, Wis. – The St. John’s Northwestern Debate Team delivered a strong showing at the Wisconsin Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) Debate Festival on December 9, finishing the meet with a 1–1 record and continuing a successful 2025–2026 season.

SJN opened the competition with a challenging loss in the Impromptu Round, debating the topic of Natural vs. Artificial Holiday Decorations, where the team defended artificial decorations. The Lancers responded with focus and poise in the Prepared Round, earning a solid victory while arguing against Universal Health Insurance.

Individually, Carl Swanson, London Knight, and Grace Mariscal Hernandez each earned round wins for SJN. Knight led all competitors in the Prepared Round with an impressive 79 points, followed closely by Carl Swanson with 75 points and Grace Mariscal Hernandez with 72 points.

With this result, the SJN Debate Team now holds a strong 6–2 overall record heading into the stretch run of the season. The team will return to the WISDAA circuit at the next meet on January 20, continuing to build momentum and refine their competitive edge.

The debate program at St. John’s Northwestern emphasizes critical thinking, public speaking, and respectful discourse, aligning with the school’s mission to provide a structured environment that prepares students for college, careers, and leadership beyond the classroom.

About SJN

St. John’s Northwestern is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs built with future aspirations in mind. St. John’s Northwestern is a private coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school and is accepting applications for grades 7 through 12 and post-graduate. Learn more at stjohnsnorthwestern.org.