J.C. Harmon High School's Debate and Forensics Team Takes 3rd Place in Tournament

The debate and forensics team at J.C. Harmon High School is coming off a big win and hopes to continue the trend.

The team of first-year students, sophomores, juniors, and seniors finished third place overall in sweeps at the Debate Kansas City Tournament held at Wyandotte High School on Tuesday, October 15. 

Eight high school teams from across the greater Kansas City area participated in the tournament. J.C. Harmon, Wyandotte, and Sumner Academy represented Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. 

First place went to University Academy, a charter school in Kansas City, Missouri. Lincoln Prep, a magnet school also in Kansas City, Missouri, finished in second place.

“Harmon Debate has shown incredible grit and determination when facing opponents with greater resources. Debate is notoriously known as an inequitable academic activity. It is a great accomplishment that a high school like J.C. Harmon performed so well,” said Harmon Debate Coach Kevin Kinsella.   

Students on the debate team are equally as proud. “Taking third place in the tournament makes me feel happy and proud of myself because I didn’t think we would place that high,” said J.C. Harmon junior Edgar Marquez Aleman.  “It makes me feel like we did well, but I also know that we can improve as we go further and perform at other tournaments. I feel good about us beating a magnet school," added J.C. Harmon senior Hector Ruiz.

The team’s goal is to get better and come away with more tournament wins. “The goal for the debate team is to get higher placements in the tournament and to keep improving,” said J.C. Harmon junior Dylan Meza Solis. “Another goal would be to beat the schools known for being good debaters and to showcase our ability when it comes to debate,” added Ruiz. 

According to Coach Kinsella, he has one of the most balanced and diverse debate programs in Kansas. That’s something he and his team are very proud of. 

The team is also proud of how far they’ve come since their debate journey began. Some students say they overcame their shyness, improved their confidence, and are now better prepared when challenges arise. 

In addition to the third place win, Debate Captain and J.C. Harmon junior Teionna Cothran took second place for Top Speaker.

Congratulations to the J.C. Harmon Debate and Forensics Team.