The AES Speech and Debate team is really shining this year!

On January 13th and 14th, the team traveled to STM for their second tournament this year. All team members did extremely well, especially Andre Guidry who competed in Lincoln- Douglas debate.

Out of 40 competitors, Andre made to the top four contestants in the semi-final round where he won third place. This was very impressive considering it was his very first tournament ever. Andre also earned a spot in the Louisiana State Tournament of Champions which will be held in March.

Other team members that competed were Sam Bacque and Michael Dalman, who won three out of their four Lincoln-Douglas debate rounds. Also freshmen, Bennett Anderson and Luke Butcher went all the way to the semi-final round in Declamation, and Rhea Kataria did very well in her speech round as well.

What’s next for this rising team? They are currently preparing for their next tournament at Acadiana High School on Feb. 2nd and 3rd and the CFL District Tournament at STM on March 2nd and 3rd. Lastly, the team would like to ask for fellow supporters when they travel to Alexandria on March 29th, 30th, and 31th.

“Our team members hone in critical thinking, research, reading, writing, organization, and logic skills,” Mrs. Lobello, Speech and Debate teacher said.  “Universities recognize the value of participation in Speech and Debate.

Mrs. Lobello encourages all AES students who are interested in joining the team to contact her or any members of the team.

“The hours spent preparing for and competing at tournaments are intense, however we spend an equal amount of time laughing as well,” said Mrs. Lobello.