Forensic Team Competes at Prestigious Harvard National Speech & Debate Tournament
The Cardinal Newman High School Forensic Team traveled to Cambridge, MA, from February 15-17, 2025, to compete in the Harvard National Speech & Debate Tournament, one of the most prestigious and competitive high school debate tournaments in the country.
Eighteen CNHS students represented the school across multiple events, including Varsity and JV Student Congress, Program Oral Interpretation, Extemporaneous Speaking, Duo Interpretation, and Novice Public Forum Debate. The competition took place over two intense days on the Harvard University campus, with competitors engaging in multiple preliminary rounds before advancing to elimination rounds.
In Student Congress, competitors debated policy issues in three rigorous sessions, while other events saw competitors participate in five rounds before those with the highest scores advanced to sudden-death elimination rounds.
Congratulations to Victoria Cabezudo and Ethan Sosa, who made it to the Triple Octofinals in Novice Public Forum Debate. Their incredible performance places them among the Top 49 Novice Public Forum teams in the nation and 3rd in the State of Florida—a remarkable accomplishment for both the team and the CNHS Speech & Debate program.
While the tournament was the highlight of the trip, the students also had the chance to experience historic Boston. They explored landmarks around the city and even had the rare treat of enjoying a winter wonderland—complete with snowball fights, snow angels, and a snowman.
The Harvard National Speech & Debate Tournament was more than just a competition; it was a learning experience, an opportunity to challenge the best in the country, and a chance to bond as a team. The CNHS Forensics Team represented the school with skill, confidence, and Crusader pride, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.
