Debate Team

On 12 December, the School Without Walls debate team went to National Cathedral School for the third tournament of the year. Tyrec Grooms, Sasha Rickard, Zoe Zakin, Camara Hudson, Christie Hoyte-Hayes, and Alexis Stewart represented the school. Indira Shingler came to the event to support the team. The topics debated were: the legalization of same sex marriage in DC should be decided by voter referendum and the sentencing of juveniles to life without parole constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment.” The team argued very well and the school finished third for winning percentage. Our next tournament will be 30 January.

Chess Tournament

The Chess Club held their first in house chess tournament during the last two weeks of school before the Winter Break. The students practice their chess skills daily, borrowing boards during lunch and after school. This was a good chance for them to test their skills in a more formal atmosphere. We had 12 participants, includeing one teacher with Peter Rihele finishing the week with the best record, 4 wins and no losses. We hope to have two more tournaments before the year is over, one of with will be open to teachers, students, and parents.