St. John’s Northwestern Debate Team Opens Season with Strong Victory

DELAFIELD, Wis. – The St. John’s Northwestern (SJN) Debate Team is off to an impressive start, securing its first Wisconsin Speech and Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) meet win of the season on September 30. The team finished the day 2-0, claiming solid victories in both the Impromptu Round and the Prepared Motion.

The Lancers’ success was highlighted by standout performances across the roster. London Knight, Grace Mariscal Hernandez, and Maks Skatrud each picked up round wins in their first-ever competitive debates, showcasing depth and potential for the season ahead. Senior Carl Swanson, a two-time state medalist, delivered a commanding performance, earning a perfect score of 80 points in the Prepared Motion round.

Debaters engaged with timely and complex issues, including the role of cell phones in schools and the implementation of carbon pricing policies. Their strong showing demonstrated both skill and preparation, reinforcing SJN’s commitment to developing critical thinkers and confident communicators.

The Debate Team will return to the WISDAA circuit on October 14, looking to continue its momentum as it builds toward another successful season.

About SJN:

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