New Black Hawk Debate Team Dominates the Competition

The ever-expanding catalog of co-curricular activities at BHHS welcomed a powerhouse team this school year. The debut debate team captured attention at their very first tournament. Originally an after-school club, the team was founded by co-presidents Krish Patel (grade 11) and Zuhair Sibai (grade 10) after they lobbied administration for the new club and recruited members. With coach and experienced advisor Zoz Compagnari’s support, the club evolved into a school-sponsored competitive team. The student leadership team of Patel, Sibai, Maya Stojkovic (grade 11,) Priyanca Skilton (grade 11,) and Holiday Lucai-Sample (grade 11) prepared to guide the team to excellence.

Debate demands sharp focus, organization, and preparation. Participants develop critical thinking, research skills, and persuasive public-speaking abilities. Sibai described, “A great debater is someone who can stay calm in tense situations…someone with good intellect and a passion for what they're actually speaking about.” The changing format of tournaments requires adaptability and quick thinking. Patel explained, “Even between competitions, you'll see the entire debate team sitting down on their computers and editing their arguments. It's never the same.” After a two-person team is assigned the affirmative or negative side of the resolution, they engage in an intense round of structured arguments, cross-examination, rebuttal, and summary. Judges then determine which team “wins” the discussion. This process continues for several rounds.  

Since their first October tournament, the Black Hawk debaters have dominated in the novice category. In the four tournaments this fall, the team earned several top awards including first place at the Berkley High School Tournament from partners Zuhair Sibai and Mihir Shah (grade 10,) along with an individual speaker first-place award for Maya Stojkovic. At the MSU Debate Tournament, the team of Lucai-Sample and Skilton took first place, the team of Patel and Mikael Sparkes (grade 11) earned second place, and the second place individual speaker award went to Gia Walvekar (grade 10.)

Beyond their achievements, team members are building a strong community. Lucai-Sample shared, “We're a very positive group of people…the importance of having a very uplifting and comforting team to run to if you're feeling down is one of the most important things. With our team being so supportive and positive, it allows for growth because people are able to take risks without feeling so nervous. I think that's how we've excelled so much.”

The BHHS debate team will continue their historic first season at the MIFA State Finals at Wayne State University on December 13. Good luck and congratulations to our Black Hawk leaders!