NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM HAS STRONG PERFORMANCE AT NFL QUALS
3/26/11 Milton, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team completed the national qualifying season by qualifying an additional three students to nationals at the New England District tournament. .
Seniors Laura Furman and Cady Gallagher took both of the Lincoln-Douglas debate spots, while senior Ethan Samet won original oratory. Sophomores Matt Goldberg and Chris Mckay (LD Debate) and George Chamoun (domestic extemporaneous speaking) achieved alternate status.
The Duo team of Srishti Goyal and Samet, along with extemper Mandy McCleary reached the semifinals while the public forum debate team of Alex OíDonnell and Emily Pasternack finished 12th.
Also competing for Needham were the public forum debate teams of Casey Mahalik and Julia Redston, Chamoun and Jack Longley, and McCleary and Pam Levy. Levy also competed in international extemporaneous speaking.
Friends of Needham Debate chairman Terry Furman judged for Needham.
Furman, Gallagher, and Samet join the previously qualified Congressional debater Liz Hwang in earning the right to compete at nationals in Dallas in June, the total of four being a school record. Combined with the nine other Needham spots at the other two national championships, Needham students have earned a total of thirteen positions at the national championships.
The team will next compete at the state championships at Suffolk University.
1st place, LD Debate-Laura Furman
2nd Place, LD Debate-Cady Gallagher
1st place, Original Oratory-Ethan Samet
alternates, LD Debate- Matt Goldberg, Chris McKay
Alternate, Domestic Extemporaneous- George Chamoun
- Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM HAS SOLID PERFORMANCE AT CAPE ANN INVITATIONAL
3/12/11 Manchester-Essex, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team enjoyed a solid performance at the Cap Ann Invitational at Manchester-Essex Regional High School March 12th.
Sophomores Emily Pasternack and James Christensen finished third in varsity and novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate, respectively. Ninth grader Josh Litchman was 4th in Congressional Debate.
Also enjoying solid performances were LD debaters Ben Grebber, Leah Issokson, Alex Odonnell, and Drew Reidy, Childrenís lit reader Ethan Leibowitz and Chloe Weiss in declamation.
Judging for Needham were senior Cady Gallagher and parents Alan Issokson and Henry Pasternack.
Assistant Coach Jessica Bailey earned her degree of Oustanding Distinction. The speech and debate team will host itsí annual invitational on Saturday, March 19th.
Awards at Cape Ann
Emily Pasternack- 3rd, Varsity LD
James Christensen-3rd, Novice LD
Joshua Litchman- 4th, Congresional Debate
- Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM HAS BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE AT DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS
3/5/11 Shrewsbury, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team enjoyed a breakout performance at two distinct tournaments on Saturday, March 5th.
At the New England District Congressional Championships, junior Liz Hwang finished first in her house, qualifying for the National Tournament in Dallas this June. Hwang qualified in style, earning a "picket fence", as she was ranked first by all five judges in the chamber.
At the Mardi Gras Invitational hosted by Shrewsbury HS, Needham High school ranked sixth overall.
Senior Cady Gallagher was named tournament champion in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, defeating Sacred Heart of Kingston in the final round. Sophomore Emily Pasternack was tournament champion in radio broadcasting, as well as being the top novice in that event.
Also winning recognition on the day were LD debaters Matt Goldberg, Leah Issokson, and Jack Longley, who finished. fourth, sixth, and seventh respectively.
Gallagher, sophomore Ben Grebber, and sophomore Alex O'Donnell were named second, fourth, and sixth place speakers in LD Debate.
In duo interpretation, the team of senior Ethan Samet and junior Srishti Goyal placed third. Ninth grader Casey Mahalik ranked fifth in novice reading while fellow ninth grader Drew Reidy was fifth in his radio broadcasting debut.
Sophomore Steve Cromp was a semifinalist in impromptu. Sophomore George Chamoun (extemporaneous speaking), senior Samet (oratory) and ninth graders Andrew Mccormick and Julia Redston (prose and novice reading) earned state qualifying bids.
Also competing for Needham were declamation students Chloe Weiss and David Wexler, radio broadcasters Cromp and Rebecca Chen, poetry reader Goyal, prose reader Eva Weintraub, and the team improv duo of Mahalik and Redston.
In Congressional Debate, senior Mandy McCleary and ninth graders Dan Distler, Josh Litchman, Anbo Wei, and Brad Wright placed highly.
Parents Michael Distler and Jack McCormick judged for Needham as did associate director Jessica Bailey. Coach PJ Wexler praised the across-the-board Needham excellence.
Awards
Liz Hwang- National Qualifier, Congressional Debate
Sweepstakes- 6th place overall
Cady Gallagher- 1st place LD, 2nd place speaker
Emily Pasternack- 1st place radio, top novice
Ethan Samet and Srishti Goyal -third place duo
Matt Goldberg-4th place LD
Ben Grebber- 4th place speaker, LD
Drew Reidy-5th place, radio
Casey Mahalik-5th place, novice reading
Leah Issokson-6th place, LD
Alex OíDonnell- 6th place speaker, LD
Jack Longley-7th place, LD
George Chamoun (extemp) Ethan Samet (oratory), Andrew Mccormick, Julia Redston (reading event bids)
- Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE IN CRIMSON AND CLOVER AT HARVARD INVITATIONAL
2/27/11 Cambridge, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team celebrated President Day's weekend at the Harvard University Speech and Debate Invitational.
The "US Open" of forensics is the largest tournament in the nation, drawing thirty-five hundred participants from afar afield as California and western Canada.
Senior Nate Lintz finished as tournament runner-up and third place speaker in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Lintz received his second Tournament of Champions bid for his performance, fully qualifying him for the National Tournament of Champions at the University of Kentucky.
Senior Laura Furman ranked seventeenth in the same division. Sophomore Emily Pasternack similarly ranked seventeenth in junior varsity LD Debate and was named the sixth place speaker overall.
Junior Liz Hwang and ninth grader Anbo Wei qualified to the semifinals in Congressional Debate.
Ninth grader Chad Goldstein missed advancing to elimination rounds in junior varsity LD debate by just over one speaker point.
Also successfully competing were varsity LD Debaters Cady Gallagher, Matt Goldberg, Jack Longley, and Ava Wong, junior varsity debaters James Christenson, Shlagha Karjee, Chris Mckay, and Alex O'Donnell, extemporaneous speakers George Chamoun and Mandy McCleary, debuting humorous interper Ethan Leibowitz, and Congressional Debater Josh Litchman.
Judging for Needham were parents Terry Furman, Tracy McKay, and Tony O'Donnell, Harvard student Betty Rosen, and coach Jessica Bailey. Head coach Paul Wexler praised the Needham Harvard performance as the strongest overall in team history
Harvard Univeristy Results
Nate Lintz- 2nd place Varsity LD Debate, 3rd place speaker
Laura Furman- 17th place (double-octos), Varsity LD Debate
Emily Pasternack- 17th place (double-octos), 6th place speaker, JV LD Debate
Liz Hwang- semifinals, Congressional Debate
Anbo Wei- semifinals, Congressional Debate
Chad Goldstein-missed on speaker points, JV LD Debate
- Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM HAS STUPENDOUS PERFORMANCE AT CFL QUALS
2/12/11 Shrewsbury, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate team had a stupendous performance at the Eastern New England National Catholic Forensic League Qualifiers at Shrewsbury HS .
Eight Needham students qualified, the second most in team history.
Senior Mandy McCleary and ninth grader Chloe Weiss qualified in extemporaneous speaking and declamation, respectively.
Needham also took all six qualifying spots in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Senior Cady Gallagher and sophomores Steve Cromp, Matt Goldberg, Ben Grebber, Jack Longley,and Emily Pasternack earned the right to travel to Washington DC for nationals Memorial Day Weekend.
The six LD Debaters won a combined twenty-one debates and losing only three on the day.
The Duo Team of George Chamoun and Srishti Goyal along with Congressional Debater Josh Litchman finished seventh in their events, and were designated as first alternates. Chamoun and Goyal missed by one rank from six cumulated judge scores.
Also competing was Congressional Debater Anbo Wei, oratorial interpers Goyal and Eva Weintraub, Dramatic Performer Ethan Leibowitz, declaimers Anjali Pal and David Wexler, and extempers Liz Hwang and Chamoun.
Judging for Needham were parents Nassib Chamoun, Tim McCleary and Henry Pasternack, Harvard University students Emily Osborne and Becca Rosen. Coaches Jessica Bailey and PJ Wexler administered the debate portion of the tournament. - Paul Wexler
Results-
NCFL Grand National Tournament Qualifiers:
- LD Debate Qualifiers- Senior Cady Gallagher and sophomores Steve Cromp, Matt Goldberg, Ben Grebber, Jack Longley,and Emily Pasternack
- Extemp-Mandy McCleary
- Declamation-Chloe Weiss
First Alternates-
- Congressional Debate- Josh Litchman
- Duo- George Chamoun/Srishti Goyal
NEEDHAM DEBATER SCORES TOC BID AT SCARSDALE INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
2/12/11 Scarsdale, NY - At the Scarsdale Invitational, Senior Nathan Lintz was tournament runner-up, losing in finals on a two-one decision of the judges. Lintz earned his first bid to the National Tournament of Champions.
Fellow Senior Laura Furman missed advancing to elimination rounds by one half speaker point out of one hundred and eighty possible. Terry Furman judges and coached for Needham. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM REACHES OLYMPIAN HEIGHTS AT REVERE
1/29/11 Revere, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team vaulted to a several awards at the Revere Speech Olympics January 29th.
Varsity Extemporaneous speakers senior Mandy McClearly and junior Liz Hwang captured the tournament championship and runner-up spots, respectively. They swapped positions in oral history, finishing third and fifth.
The Duo Team of Srishti Goyal and Ethan Samet were second in duo interpretation. Samet was also 5th in original oratory.
Ninth grader Brad Wright was ranked third in sports broadcasting, ninth grader Olivia Korostoff-Larsson fifth in novice extemporaneous speaking, and ninth grader David Wexler sixth in declamation.
Ninth grader Anbo Wei continued his streak of final rounds in Congressional Debate. Juniors Eva Weintraub and Sarah Macfadden, along with Goyal, earned state bids in poetry interp while junior Remy Marin earned them in both prose reading and impromptu speaking.
Also competing were sophomore extemper George Chammoun, prose reader Andrew McCormick, and Congressional Debaters Dan Distler and Josh Litchman.
Weintraub and Wright joined lists of the few students double entered on the day, in prose and radio broadcasting respectively.
Judging for Needham were coaches Jessica Bailey, Samantha Gathers, Liz Stoker, PJ Wexler, and Chris Nakis. - Paul Wexler
Awards at Revere
Mandy McClearly - 1st Place, Varsity Extemp
5th place, Oral HIstory
Liz Hwang- 2nd place, Varsity Extemp
3rd place, Oral History
Ethan Samet and Srishti Goyal- 2nd Place, Duo
Brad Wright- 3rd place, sports broadcasting
Ethan Samet- 5th Place, original oratory
Olivia Korostoff-Larsson-5th place, Novice Extemp
David Wexler- 6th place, declamation
Anbo Wei- Finalist, Congressional Debate
Additional State bids- Poetry (Srishti Goyal, Sarah Macfadden, Eva Weintraub
Prose (Remy Marin)
Needham was 7th overall.
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE SHINES AT NEWTON SOUTH & FLORIDA SUNVITATIONAL
1/8/11 Newton MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team drew a sixth place finish at the Newton South Tournament January 9th.
The Multiple team of Srishti Goyal, Remy Marin, Anjali Pal,Ethan Samet, Kevin Walsh, Eva Weintraub and David Wexler won the tournament championship. Marin went on to finish second in impromptu speaking while also entering prose reading.
Weintraub finished fourth in prose interpretation in a field of seventy-two original registrants. Sophomore Emily Pasternack was second in radio broadcasting, with a 'picket fence 'score of straight first place ranks in the preliminary rounds. Ninth grader Chloe Weiss finished fifth in declamation.
Earning state bids were kiddie lit readers senior Rachel Levitt and sophomore Bri Rubin, declaimer David Wexler, and poetry reader Srishti Goyal.
Solid performances were turned in by kiddie lit reader Ethan Leibowitz, extempers George Chamoun, Pam Levy, and Mandy McCleary, radio broadcaster Brad Wright, novice readers Casy Mahalik and Julia Redston, and prose reader Andrew McCormick.
Judging for Needham were parents Jack McCormick, Mark Redston and Marc Wexler along with coach PJ Wexler.
Meanwhile, at the Suninvitational Debate Tournament in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Senior Nathan LIntz finished ninth, and was ninth palce speaker. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM HAS JOLLY HOLLY EXPERIENCE
12/18/10 Natick, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team had a Holly Jolly experience at the 50th Annual Holly Speech Invitational at Natick High School December 18th.
The team finished seventh overall, narrowly missing out on sixth place by two points out of more than three hundred and fifty possible. Senior Ethan Samet was tournament champion in original oratory. Sophomore Emily Pasternack was third and top novice in radio broadcasting. Sophomore Steve Cromp ranked fourth in group discussion. Ninth grader Anbo Wei was fifth (and top novice) in Congressional Debate and sophomore George Chamoun was 6th in novice extemporaneous speaking.
The multiple reading team performing "The Lion King" finished fourth. The group is made up of Samet, juniors Srishti Goyal, Amanda Schultz and Eva Weintraub, sophomores Anjali Pal and Kevin Walsh, and ninth grader David Wexler, with senior Remy Marin being a great facilitator of the production.
Marin and senior Sarah MacFadden entered the Pentathlon, an endurance contest requiring participants to enter five distinct events, including the Holly-unique "press conference" category. In this event Marin was ranked first and Macfadden seventh. Marin also performed in original oratory, prose reading, dramatic audition, and impromptu speaking.
MacFadden entered impromptu, dramatic performance, extemp children's literature, and poetry reading.
Several nonfinalist Rockets earned bids towards state qualification. These students included seniors Pam Levy and Mandy McCleary in Extemporaneous Speaking, Remy Marin in Prose, and Marin and Levy in Impromptu speaking.
Sophomores earning bids numbered Ethan Leibowitz in childrenís literature, Anjali Pal in Declamation and Steve Cromp in Impromptu. Ninth graders Andrew McCormick in Prose and David Wexler in novice reading also gained bids.
Junior Amanda Schultz, who is leaving for Arizona, completed her Needham competitive career by entering prose reading and duo interpretation (with partner Srishti Goyal) as well as Multiple.
Also turning in strong performances leading to Needhamís high sweepstakes ranking were extemporaneous speakers Olivia Krostoff-Larsson, Shlagha Karjee, Aaron Megar, Ava Wong, dramatic performer Noah Teplin, kiddie lit and extemp kiddie lit readers Carrie Gotwals, Rachel Levitt, Casey Mahahlik, Julia Redston, Sam Tillotson,Sammie Wong, Karjee, McCleary, McCormick, and Pasternack, impromptu speakers Scott Groux and Bri Rubin, poetry readers Ben Grebber, Alex Odonnell, Leibowitz and Goyal, prose reader Eva Weintraub, play reader Chamoun, Congressional Debaters Cam Aresenault, Dan Distler, Josh Litchman, Brad Wright, Sid Yadav, radio broadcasters Leah Issokson and Ben Grebber,Declaimer Chloe Weiss, and group member Odonnell.
Two Television announcing groups (one consisting of Mahalik, Redston, and Sammie Wong, the other of Matt Goldberg, Jack Longley, and Walsh) completed the Needham entry.
Judging for Needham were alums Colleen Creeden '10, Mike Lintz '07, Ben Oehlkers and Emily Redston.
Parents Nassib Chamoun, Sanjeev Kumar, Jill Leibowitz, Michael Litchman, Robin Miller, and Mark Redston also judged for Needham, as did coaches Jessica Bailey and PJ Wexler. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE DELVES INTO POLICY DEBATE
12/11/2010 Weston, MA - The Needham High Speech and Debate Team entered the realm of policy
debate at the second Boston Urban-Suburban Debate League Contest, hosted by Weston High school December 11th.
The sophomore team of Ben Grebber and Emily Pasternack ranked in the middle of the field, losing rounds only to
tournament trophy winners. Senior Mandy McClearly debated all by her loneone, as a "maverick. Her speaking ranked in the top third of the field. Senior Cady Gallagher judged for Needham. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE HAS WILD WEST OF A TIME AT LINCOLN-SUDBURY
12/4/2010 - Sudbury, MA - The Needham High Speech and Debate Team had a ‘wild west’ of a time at the Lincoln-Sudbury Invitational Saturday, December 4th, finishing third overall.
The Multiple production of ‘Lion King’ with senior Ethan Samet, juniors Srishti Goyal,Amanda Schultz, and Eva Weintraub, sophomores Anjali Pal and Kevin Walsh, and ninth grader David Wexler were tournament
champions.
Samet added a second title belt in original oratory, while Weintraub and Pal were second in prose reading and declamation respectively.
Juniors Goyal and Schultz ranked fourth in duo interpretation. Ninth grader Chloe Weiss was a second Needham finalist in declamation, finishing fourth overall in her varsity debut. Sophomore George Chamoun was 2nd in novice extemporaneous speaking, while junior captain Liz Hwang and senior Pam Levy ranked 3rd and 6th in varsity extemp.
In Congressional Debate, ninth grader Anbo Wei finished fourth overall, and teammate Josh Litchman was a finalist. Senior captain Sarah Macfadden brought a song to the competition with an honorable mention in poetry reading, truly 'stanzing and delivering.' . All of these students plus ninth grade readers Andrew McCormick, Julia Redston, and David Wexler each earned qualifying legs to the state championships, as did sophomore Steve Cromp in group discussion.
Narrowly missing bids were original orator Abby Shneyder, radio broadcaster Kevin Walsh and kiddie lit reader Bri Rubin in her varsity debut. Sophomore Cam Aresnault gave a well received speech in Congressional Debate.
Judging for Needham were assistant debate coach Liz Stoker, parents Carole Hwang, Jack McCormick, Mark Redston, and head coach PJ Wexler judged. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE GOBBLES AWARDS AT LEXINGTON
11/20/2010 Lexington, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate team gobbled up several awards at the Lexington November Classic.
Sophomores Alex O’Donnell and Emily Pasternack were tournament champions and champion speaker respectively in Novice LD Debate.
Sophomore Ben Grebber was 3rd in Novice LD Debate. Ninth Graders Drew Reidy and Chad Goldstein were second and third place speakers, while O’Donnell was the fifth place speaker.
In Varsity LD Debate, sophomore Brett Lancaster was 3rd overall and the 4th place speaker. Sophomores James Christenson and Chris McKay (in his debut) turned in solid performances for Needham.
Coaches Jessica Bailey and PJ Wexler, along with parent Terry Furman judged for Needham. Wexler observed that the team persevered despite facing many a ‘diamond in the rough.’ The season pauses for Thanksgiving before resuming at Lincoln-Sudbury in early December. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE NOSHES THROUGH NOVEMBER
11/13/10 Natick, MA and Montrose, NY - The Needham Speech and Debate Team had excellent mid-November performances.
At the Burkill Memorial Tournament November 13th, sophomore Anjali Pal was 6th in declamation. Ninth graders Anbo Wei and Olivia Korostoff-Larsson were finalists In Congressional Debate, with Wei winning the 'top novice' award. Sophomore Sam Tillotson was a semi-finalist in novice reading. Senior Remy Marin (original oratory) and ninth grader Andrew McCormick (novice reading) won awards for excellence. Sophomore Bri Rubin (novice reading) and James Christensen (novice extemporaneous) won partial qualifying bids towards the state championships
Also having strong performances were sophomore Emily Pasternack and ninth grader Leah Issokson (novice extemporaneous), ninth graders Casey Mahalik and Julia Redston (novice reading), ninth graders Jonah Simon and Sid Yadav (Congressional Debate), the duo team of juniors Srishti Goyal and Amanda Schultz, and children's literature reader Ethan Leibowitz.
Parents Alan Issokson and Carole Marin, along with coach Paul Wexler judged.
The same weekend, at the Malcolm Bump Invitational Tournament at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, New York, senior Nathan Lintz finished fifth in Lincoln-Douglas Debate while fellow senior Cady Gallagher narrowly missed advancing to elimination rounds. Coach Jessica Bailey judged. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM HAS APPLE-PICKIN' TIME IN MINNESOTA
11/6/10 Minneapolis, MN - The Needham Speech and Debate team had a solid performance at its inaugural venture to the 25th annual Mini-apple Debate Tournament in Apple Valley, Minnesota.
Senior Nate Lintz was 6th place speaker in the one hundred and sixty-eight person field and finished in the top twenty overall in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
Solid performances were turned in by senior Laura Furman in Varsity LD and Sophomores Steve Cromp and Matt Goldberg in junior varsity LD debate.
Coach Paul Wexler marveled at Lintz's solid marble apple trophy, noting that one could put a dent in applewood with it. - Paul Wexler.
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE SCARES UP VICTORIES NEAR SALEM
10/30/10 Manchester, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team's solid performance brought October to a close at the 32nd annual Tim Averill Invitational in Manchester, Massachusetts.
Sophomore Emily Pasternack was named reserve champion in Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
Fellow novices, sophomore Alex O'Donnell and ninth grader Drew Reidy reached the octafinal rounds.
Narrowly missing advancing were sophomore Ben Grebber and ninth graders Leah Issokson and Ethan Kahn. In varsity Lincoln-Douglas, sophomores Matt Goldberg, Brett Lancaster, and Jack Longley acquitted themselves strongly.
Needham judges included parent Terry Furman and coaches Jessica Bailey and PJ Wexler. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM CARVES THROUGH THE DEIGHTON-REHOBOTH PUMPKIN CLASSIC
10/23/10 North Dighton, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate team kicked off the local season with a strong showing at Dighton-Rehobath's Pumpkin Classic.
Sophomore Ben Grebber was tournament champion in Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate, joined by fellow Needham students ninth grader Chad Goldstein and sophomore Emily Pasternack in third and fourth place respectivelly.
Finishing in the top thirty percent and qualifying for the state championships, all with records of three wins and one loss were sophomores James Christensen and Alex O'Donnell and ninth grader Nicole Waida.
Senior Ethan Samet was runner-up in original oratory and senior Mandy McCleary was third in extemporaneous speaking. Ninth grader Anbo Wei was a finalist and top novice in Congressional Debate.
Sophomore Anjali Pal was an honorable mention in declamation, failing to advanceon a tie-breaker.
Also turning in strong performances were ninth graders Olivia Korostoff-Larson ("last out" from finals) and Josh Litchman in Congressional debate, the duo team of juniors Srishti Goyal and Amanda Schultz, dramatic performer senior Sarah MacFadden, original orator sophomore Abby Shneyder, novice extemper sophomore George Chammoun, children's literature readers sophomores Ethan Leibowitz (earning a bid towards state qualification) and Maddie Freundlich, novice LDers ninth graders Shlagha Karjee and Drew Reidy, and fellow ninth grader novice readers Andrew McCormick. Casey Mahaulik, Julia Redston, and David Wexler.
Among those judging and tabulating for Needham were debate captain Ava Wong, Laura Furman, assistant director Jessica Bailey and coach Liz Stoker, and parents Terry Furman, Jim Mahaulik and Kollol Pal. Coach PJ Wexler praised the overall performance as a "solid" one for newbies and varsity alike. The team next attends the Tim Averill Invitational at Manchester-Essex High School.- Paul Wexler.
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE BIG BRONX PERFORMANCE
10/17/10 Bronx, NY - The Needham Speech and Debate Team took a big bite of the Apple at the 40th Annual New York City invitational.
Senior Nate Lintz finished 39th in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, advancing to first elimination round before dropping to Hunter College HS.
Fellow senior debaters Laura Furman and Cady Gallagher, along with sophomore Steve Cromp in his 'ultra-varsity' debut, acquitted themselves admirably in the LD Debate field, while Senior Mandy McCleary did the same in Congressional Debate. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM NOVICES NAVIGATE NOVICE FESTIVAL, NATURALLY
10/9/10 West Roxbury, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team earned
considerable success at the Massacusetts Forensics League’s Novice Festival
hosted by Catholic Memorial Columbus Day weekend.
Six Lincoln-Douglas Debaters won awards. Sophomores Emily Pasternack and
Ben Grebber and ninth grader Alex O'Donnell went undefeated, while ninth graders
James Christensen, Drew Reidy, and Nicole Waida also won medals. Ninth grader
Chloe Weiss won a medal in Oratorical Performance.
In Congressional Debate, ninth graders Olivia Korostnoff-Larson, Josh Litchman,
Lainey Segel,Anbo Wei,and Brad Wright were recognized for their success. Debating
and speaking well on the day, sometimes narrowly missing awards, were Lincoln-Douglas
debaters Leah Issokson, Ethan Kahn, Paige Petronio, Ben Xu, Prose reader Arden Marin,
the Public Forum Debate Team of Chad Goldstein and David Wexler, and Congressional
Debaters Noah Baker, Julida Redston, Allison Smith, Colin Warner, Sammie Wong, and
Sid Yadav.
Junior Elizabeth Hwang organized the Congressional Debate portion of the tournament, ably
assisted by seniors Pam Levy and Mandy McCleary and junior Rachel Shumelvich. Senior
Remy Marin, the returning state reserve champion in Original Oratory, performed her
speech for the exhibition round the state's novices attended.
Judging for Needham and assisting with organizing were seniors Cady Gallagher and Sarah
Macfadden, juniors Srishti Goyal, Amanda Schultz, Eva Weintraub, Ava Wong and sophomores
Steve Crompand Anjali Pal.
10-11-2010
Coach PJ Wexler said that “to have almost two baker’s dozen ‘novice’ students perform so
well should serve as a great appetizer for the year.”
A small contingent of varsity students is scheduled to compete at Bronx HS of Science, the
weekend of October 16, followed by resumption of the local season at Deighton-Rehobath
October 23rd. - Paul Wexler.
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE SENDS OUT CLARION CALL AT YALE
9/26/10 New Haven, CT - The Needham Speech and Debate team kicked off the 2010-11 campaign at the Yale University Invitational September 24-26.
Senior Nate Lintz was 7th place speaker in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, also reaching the 'double-octo' finals round. Sophomore Matt Goldenberg reached the double-octos in JV Lincoln-Douglas, while junior Cady Gallagher reached the first elimination round in LD Debate.
Also speaking truth to (and just as often for) power were varsity LD debaters senior Laura Furman (who narrowly dropper her 'play in' round) and junior Ava Wong, JV LD Debaters sophomores Steve and Brett Lancaster, seniors Remy Marin and Ethan Samet in original oratory. Extemporaneous speakers included seniors Pam Levy and Mandy McCleary and sophomore George Chammoun in his extemp debut, dramatic interper senior Sarah Macfadden, Congressional debater junior Liz Hwang and the duo team of juniors Srishit Goyal and Amanda Schultz.
Judging for Needham were alums Mikey Lintz (Olin College) Chris Lucibella( American University) and Aseem Mehta (Yale), along with parent Terry Furman.
Coach Paul Wexler said the overall team performance was "more gripping than the ivy on the Yale University walls."
The team next hosts its annual'boot camp' October 2nd before introducing new team members to competition as the Massachusetts Forensics League Novice Festival on October 9th. - Paul Wexler.
Needham Speech and Debate Shows Off in the "Show Me" State
6/19/10, Kansa City, MO - The Needham Speech and Debate Team had a productively competitive time at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in mid June in Kansas City.
At the largest academic competition in the world. junior Lincoln-Douglas Debaters Nathan Lintz and Cady Gallagher compete against students from throughout the United States. Lintz finished in the top third of the field, missing advancing by one balllot, and spend his time hereafter in strict observation of the elimination rounds .while after Tuesday
Gallager strode bravely into the inagural field of One Person Supplemental Debate. In this event, the topic changes every round. Gallagher finished in the top ten percent of the seven hundred person event field, lasting for six rounds.
Needham has had students in the elimination rounds of every NFL nationals it has qualified for since 1996, having attended eleven. Competition will pick up again in September. - Paul Wexler
Strong Needham Speech and Debate Team Performance at NCFL Grand National Tournament in Omaha
5/31/10 Omaha, NE - The Needham Speech and Debate Team found several kernels of truth in Omaha at the Grand National Tournament Memorial Day weekend.
Juniors Laura Furman and Ethan Samet both reached elimination rounds, finishing seventeenth in Lincoln Douglas Debate and twenty-fifth in Original Oratory respectively.
Narrowly missing elimination rounds were LD debaters juniors Cady Gallagher and Nate Lintz, and senior Kaushik Vasudevan, who finished among the top forty-five debaters in the nation.
Congressional Debaters senior Colleen Creeden and sophomore Liz Hwang were nominated for elimination rounds, while junior Steve Berul turned in a top-notch performance in LD debate.
Judging from morning to night were parents Terry Furman, Michelle Marram, Jeffrey Samet, Judith Swack, Nebraska debate alum John Holen and coach Paul Wexler.
Wexler noted that the strong team performance was a testimony to a broad base of parent support in coaching, judging, and logistics. "The parent support freed up my time to directly work with the students" Wexler said. Assistant coach Samantha Gathers, who worked extensively with Ethan Samet, deserves "massive kudos" as well. The team next will attend the NFL National Tournament in Kansas City in mid-June. - Paul Wexler
Needham Speech Ninth at States, Adding an Exclamation Point to the Season
4/10/2010 Westford, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team finished off the regular season with a ninth place overall finish at the State Speech tournament April 10th at Westford Academy.
Junior Remy Marin had the top individual performance finishing 2nd overall in original oratory. Extemporaneous speaker senior Rob Hurd and group discussion participant Steve Cromp were each 5th in their respective events. Senior Colleen Creeden was a Congressional Debate finalist, finishing 6th in finals.
Also strongly contributing to the Needham performance were Congressional Debaters Peter Farlow and Liz Hwang ('last out' from finals), declamation specialists Anjali Pal and Eva Weintraub, children's literature reader Janessa McQuivey, the duo interp team of Amanda Goyal and Amanda Schultz, dramatic performer Sarah MacFadden original orator Ethan Samet, extemper Mandy McCleary, and impromptu speaker Remy Marin.
Cromp and Marin both finished among the top 'double speaker' entries in Massachusetts. Assistance coach Samantha Gathers, parents Dick Creeden and Doug Macfadden judged for Needham, along with coach PJ Wexler. Wexler praised the overall Needham performance, 'a fine end to the regular season'. The Needham team looks forward to national competition in the coming months. - Paul Wexler
Needham Debate Second at States, puts on Smiley Face
3/27/10 Shrewsbury, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team finished 2nd at the State Debate
Championships in Shrewsbury on March 27th.
Senior Kaushik Vasudevan and junior Nate Lintz were co-state champions in varsity Lincoln-Douglas
debate, in ‘closing out’ the final round. Junior Laura Furman was recognized as first place speaker, and was ‘coached over’ in the semifinals to Vasudevan.
In novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate, ninth grader Matt Goldberg was second, dropping to Westford Academy on a 2-1 decision. Fellow teammate, sophomore Ava Wong, was first place speaker in novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
Failing to advance based on tie breakers were varsity debaters Steve Berul and Cady Gallagher and novice debater Steve Cromp, while George Chammoun, Jack Longley, Kevin Sheng, Amanda Schultz debated very well on the day.
Team captain Zoe Staum judged for Needham, along with parent Terry Furman while coach Dave Lievense served as chief administrator and 'wrangler' for LD Debate.
Coach Paul Wexler noted that holding four state debate titles and a runner-up slot in one year was a new record of achievement for Needham, “smiley faces were everywhere” said one student. The team looks forward to the Speech and Congress championships in two weeks at Westford Academy. - Paul Wexler
Needham "Oscars" Speech and Debate Tournament Largest Ever
3/20/10 Needham, MA - The Needham 'Oscars' Speech and Debate tournament hosted over 541 entries and 100 adult chaperones March 20th. It is the largest tournament in Needham history and the third largest regular season tournament for the Massachusetts Forensics League.
While Varsity Needham students mostly did not compete, several novices did with great success. Sophomore Rebecca Chen 6th in Radio Broadcasting, sophomore Liz Hwang 2nd in Novice Extemporaneous, Novice Reading sophomore David Libbey and ninth grader Maddi Frundlich were 2nd and 6th, Sophomore Srishit Goyal was second in Mixed Duo, and junior Peter Farlow 5th in Freeze Improv. Ninth grader Jack Longley was third in Varsity LD and 4th place speaker. Goyal and Chen were each the top novices in their event.
Also competing were Extempers Lauren Glenn and Mandy McCleary, LD debaters Steve Cromp, Matt Goldberg, and Kevin Sheng, Children's Literture reader Ethan Leibowitz, ninth graders Abby Shneyder and Ali Newhard in their Galactic Duo Interp debut, Novice Reader Erin Lipman, and Mixed Duo entries Anjali Pal and Eva Weintraub.
Alums Danny Blackman '10 , Martha Farlow '08, Mikey Lintz '07, Gabe Weintraub '08 were joined by Mike Wasserman '02 in judging at the contest, along with the parents of the sixty student strong Needham program.
The Friends of Needham Speech and Debate, the parent support organization for speech and debate, provided a sumptous snackbar from 7AM until 6 PM, sparing no effort to keep attendees well sated. - Paul Wexler
Needham Speech and Debate Captures Three National Spots, Perpetual Sweepstakes Trophy
3/13/10 Milton, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team had an uncomfortably successful tournament at the National Forensics League's New England district national qualifiers March 12-13. The top four Lincoln-Douglas Debaters in the competition were all from Needham, leading to 'coach overs' for the deciding rounds.
Qualifying to nationals were juniors Nate Lintz and Cady Gallagher. Fellow junior Ethan Samet qualified to nationals in Original Oratory. Juniors Steve Berul and Laura Furman were undefeated at the tournament except for coaches decisions resulting from being paired against Needham. The national tournament will take place in Kansas City in June.
The Needham team earned the district 'perpetual sweepstakes' trophy, which is awarded to a team based on rounds accumulated over many years. The award is among the most prestigious awarded to teams by the National Forensics League.
Among other Needham students contributing mightily to the award in 2010 were Junior Sarah Macfadden was a semifinalist in Humorous Interpretation. In public forum debate, the team sophomores Liz Hwang and Ava Wong advanced to the third of the field, losing in their tournament Public Forum debut only to the to top two teams in the contest. The team of ninth grader Steve Cromp and sophomore Kevin Sheng went four rounds in their own public forum debut,a considerable achievement according to Wexler. The team of seniors Rob Hurd and Aseem Mehta also went four rounds while senior Zoe Staum and Matt Goldberg went two. Hwang was a semifinalist in international extemporaneous speaking. Competing in domestic extemp was Hurd, in duo interpretation Furman and Gallagher, and in policy debate the team of Samet and Macfadden.
Coach Paul Wexler was "an excitable boy" about the overall Needham performance. Judging for Needham through round after round was parent Terry Furman and coach Samantha Gathers. - Paul Wexler
Congratulations to Zoe Staum, who reached the octofinal round at the Harker School last weekend!
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE PARADES AT SHREWSBURY MARDI GRAS
2/27/10 Shrewsbury, MA - The Needham Speech at Debate team launched into the 'riptides of March' at the Shrewsbury HS Mardi Gras Saturday, February 27th. The Team finished 10th overall in the very large field.
Juniors Laura Furman and Cady Gallagher placed 1st and 3rd in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Sophomore Liz Hwang (seventh place) and junior Peter Farlow were Congressional Debate finalists, while sophomore Rachel Shmulevich was 'last out' in advancing to finals. Junior Remy Marin qualified to state in Original Oratory.
Several other Needham students also earned qualifying (if superfluous) bids to the state tournament. Among the competing Needham students were ninth grader Ethan Leibowitz, sophomore Janessa McQuivey, and juniors Rachel Levitt and Marin, radio broadcasters ninth grader Anjali Pal and Eva Weintraub.
Lyrical poets included ninth grader Pal and Kevin Walsh, sophomores Srishti Goyal, Jessie Jacobson, Ella Sweeney, and Mcquivey, varsity extemper junior Mandy McCleary, novice reader Matt Lerner, and junior Sarah Macfadden in dramatic performance and impromptu.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate contestants, all in their varsity debut, included sophomores Kevin Sheng and Ava Wong, and ninth graders Steve Cromp, Matt Goldberg, and Jack Longley.
Judges for Needham included parents Fred Cromp, Terry Furman, Amy Gerber, Carol Hwang, Doug Macfadden, Kollol Pal, and assistant Dave Lievense. Coach PJ Wexler praised the Needham performance, "all about the positive parts of Mardi Gras".
The team next competes at the New England District national qualifiers in two weeks. Needham hosts its annual tournament on March 20th, any person interested in volunteering to judge should contact Paul Wexler at the high school. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE IN CRIMSON AND CLOVER AT HARVARD
2/15/10 Cambridge, MA. The Needham Speech and Debate Team had an above-par performance at the
Harvard Speech and Debate Invitational the "U.S. Open" of high school forensics.
Senior Kaushik Vasudevan earned his second and historically sufficient qualifying bid to the National
Tournament of Champions, and reached the round of 16 in the final elimination bracket. Fellow senior
Zoe Staum narrowly missed, reaching the 'terrific thirty-two' round. Junior Nathan Lintz reached the
triple-octos, finishing 33rrd in the three hundred plus person field.
Sophomore (and novice) Liz Hwang celebrated her inagural Harvard attendance by reaching the
semifinals in Congressional Debate, while being nominated for the finals. She earned a 'leg' to the Tournament
of Champions as well.
Missing advancing based on speaker points were Junior Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debaters ninth grader Steve
Cromp and junior Phil Weiner.
Also acquitting themselves nicely were varsity LD debaters Steve Berul, Laura Furman, and Cady Gallagher, and
JV debaters (all novices) Brett Lancaster, Jack Longley, Kevin Sheng, and Ava Wong.
Assistant Earl St. Sauver and parents Terry Furman, Steve Staum, and Carol Urwitz, judged for Needham.
Coach PJ Wexler noted that "we had the most successful Needham overall showing in several years".
Vasudevan joins teammates Rob Hurd and Aseem Mehta in being qualified for the Tournament of Champions,
the third time Needham has qualified as many as many as three people to the tournament. - P. J. Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE EXCELS AT SHREWSBURY NCFL QUALIFIER
2/7/10 Shrewsbury, MA. The Needham Speech and Debate Team qualified a school record eleven persons to the Grand National Tournament last weekend at Shrewsbury High School, with three other students earning alternate status.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in Omaha over Memorial Day weekend. Needham secured all six available Boston-area entries in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, with juniors Steve Berul, Laura Furman, Cady Gallagher and Nate Lintz qualifying along with seniors Zoe Staum and Kaushik Vasudevan.
The Public Forum Debate team of Rob Hurd and Aseem Mehta also qualified. The seven debate entries went a combined 25-4 on the day.
Senior Colleen Creeden and junior Elizabeth Hwang qualified in Congressional Debate, and junior Ethan Samet in Original Oratory.
Junior Remy Marin was first alternate in oratory, while sophomores Srishti Goyal and Amanda Schultz were second alternates in duo interpretation.
Also having solid days were declaimers Anjali Pal and Eva Weintraub, along wih extempers Pam Levy and Mandy McCleary.
Parents Dick Creeden and Terry Furman judged for Needham, along with assistant coach Samantha Gathers , Olin students Preeta Willemann, Victoriea Hamilton, Molly Farison and Harvard students Emily Osborne and Betty Rosen.
Assistant Mikey Lintz assisted in directing the tournament and wrangling judges. Coach Paul Wexler praised the record-breaking Needham performance ìn not only the qualifiers but also those who just missed show how large our program has grown the last few years. He went on to say that assistants Lintz and Gathers, along with alums Chris Lucibella and Danny Blackman have contributed mightedly to the team’s competitive success this year.
The team next attends Harvard University National High School Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament, the largest tournament in the nation other than nationals.
Persons interested in volunteering to judge at tournaments are encouraged to contact Paul Wexler at Needham High. – Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE FINISHES FIFTH AT CAPE ANN CLASSIC
1/30/10 Manchester, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate enjoyed a sunny Cape Ann day at the Cape Ann Classic at Manchester-Essex Regional High January 20th, finishing in fifth place as a school out of thirty-six registered.
Needham dominated the novice Lincoln-Douglas category, with ninth graders Steve Cromp, Brett Lancaster, Matt Goldberg, and Jack Longley finishing first, second, third, and fifth respectively.
Junior Cady Gallagher was fourth in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas. Junior Lauren Glenn was tournament champion in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking, with only a single second place ranking preventing her from earning a straight first place rankings on the day.
Junior Ethan Samet was third in Original Oratory, Junior Remy Marin was fifth in impromptu speaking, sophomore Eva Weintraub sixth in declamation in a ìn a hair raising performance.
Ninth grader Kevin Walsh reached the semifinals in Poetry. The Duo Team of Srishti Goyal and Amanda Schultz, Childrenís literature reader sophomore Janessa McQuivey ninth grader Anjali Pal earned qualifying bids to the state championships.
Also having solid days were Kiddie Literature readers Rachel Levitt and Ethan Leibowitz, Prose Reader Jessye Jacobson, Original Orator Marin, Varsity LD Debater Phil Weiner, and Novice Reader David Libbey in his competitive debut.
Assistant coaches Liz Stoker and Dave Lievense, along with parents Dick Creeden, Mark Glenn, and Doug Macfadden judged for Needham. Coach PJ Wexler noted.
At the cocurrent New England District qualifier in Congressional Debate, Senior Colleen Creeden and sophomore Liz Hwang narrowly missed qualifying for nationals in Congressional debate, each finishing as the first alternate in their respective houses in the highly competitive New England District. Also enjoying fine days were sophomores Rachel Shmulevich, juniors Pamela Levy and Sarah Macfadden, ninth grader George Chamoun, and seniors Rob Hurd and Kaushik Vasudevan. – Paul Wexler.
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE EXCELS AT LEXINGTON
1/16/10 Lexington, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team turned in a fine performance MLK Friday and Saturday at Lexington High.
In Public Forum Debate the senior team of Rob Hurd and Aseem Mehta reached the quarterfinals, earning a third (and superfluous) leg to the Tournament of Champions. Hurd was first place speaker, Mehta 7th, out of more than one hundred students.
In Lincoln-Douglas Debate, in a field of more than 100 competitors, Zoe Staum was the top seed and reached the octo-final round in Varsity LD Debate. Fellow Senior Kaushik Vasudevan finished 17th.
In Novice LD Debate, sophomore Ava Wong was 3rd place speaker, reaching the first elimination round. Ninth grader Steve Cromp missed elimination rounds on speaker points. A large and enthusiastic group of LD Debaters performed quite nicely, including junior exchange student Ryan Zhang, sophomores Kevin Sheng and Harry Smith, and ninth graders George Channoun, Matt Goldberg, Brian Lancaster and Jack Longley.
Alums Danny Blackman and fellow alum and current assistant coah Mikey Lintz judged for Needham along with assistant coach Dave Lievense and PJ Wexler. Coach Wexler said that the Needham performance was truly "worth far more than a continental." - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE SPARKLES AT NEWTON SOUTH
1/9/10 Newton, MA - The Needham Speech and Team continued its starry season at the Newton South Tournament Saturday, January 9th.
Sophomore Liz Hwang was third place overall and top novice in Congressional Debate. Sophomore Janessa McQuivey qualified for the state tournament in Children’s Literature.
Also having fine days were extemporaneous speaker Mandy McCleary, prose reader Jessie Jacobson in her debut, novice reader Liz Sweeney, Congressional Debaters Evan Keller and Sarah Macfadden, and double-entered kiddie lit reader/impromptu speaker Ethan Leitowitz.
The Team will next attend the Lexington Winter Classic over the Martin Luther King Day weekend. - Paul Wexler
Needham High School National Forensic League News
The Needham High School Chapter of National Forensics League, a national honor society promoting public speech and debate activities, would like to announce the following new members and holders of advanced degrees, for Fall, 2009. Several other students should earn their membership in January.
Degree of Honor: Steven Cromp '13, Elizabeth Hwang and Ava Wong '12s.
Degree of Merit: George Chammoun, Madeleine Freundlich, Matthew Goldberg, Jodi Grosberg,Erin Lipman, Jack Longley, Anjali Pal,Abigail Shneyder, Kevin Walsh '13s, Srishti Goyal, Jordan Kaufman, Rachel Shmulevich, Amanda Schultz, '12s Lauren Glenn, Rachel Levitt, Yiweu Ryan Zhang, '11s.
Degree of Outstanding Distinction (Quadruple Ruby): Robert Hurd '10
Degree of Superior Distinction ('Triple Ruby'): Aseem Mehta, Zoe Staum, Kaushik Vasudevan '10s
Degree of Special Distinction ('Double Ruby'): Colleen Creeden '10, Steven Berul, Cady Gallagher, Nathan Lintz '11
Needham Speech and Debate Beats the Band (and Blizzard) at Natick Holly
12/19/09 Natick, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team ‘”raised cane” in tying up a 2009 year like twine just in front of the recent blizzard at the Holly Speech Festival at Natick High School on Saturday, December 19th. The tournament is the largest one day speech tournament hosted by a high school east of the Mississippi. The team finished ninth on the day, led by junior Mandy
McCleary’s championship performance in novice extemporaneous speaking.
Senior Rob Hurd and junior Remy Marin tested their stamina by quintuple entering in the Pentathlon, competing in five events instead of the usual maximum two. Hurd finished 3rd in varsity extemporaneous speaking, as did senior Colleen Creeden in Congressional Debate. Junior Peter Farlow and sophomore Liz Hwang were finalists in Congressional Debate, with Hwang
being named the top novice. Junior Ethan Samet finished fifth in Original Oratory and won an honorable mention in Programmed Poetry.
Ninth graders George Chammoun was top novice in Programmed Poetry while Steve Cromp was honorable mention in Group Discussion. The TV News Team of Steve Berul. Nate Lintz,and Kaushik Vasudevan won the 7th place award.
Non-award winners who won bids to the State championships included Janessa McQuivey and Remy Marin in children’s literature, junior Pam Levy in Varsity Extemporaneous, ninth graders Maddi Freundlich and Kevin Walsh in
Novice Reading, and Marin and senior Zoe Staum in impromptu.
Also contributing to the overall Needham effort were Children’s Literature performers junior Rachel Levitt and ninth grader Ethan Leitowitz (in his debut), Declaiming ninth graders Anjali Pal, Eloise Terry, and sophomore Eva Weintraub. Dramatic Performers hurd and junior Sarah MacFadden, the duo team of sophomores Sristhi Goyal and Amanda Schultz, extempers Staum
and junior Ryan Zhang, radio broadcaster Eva Weintraub, novice readers sophomore Ella Sweeney and ninth grader Erin Lipman (in her speech debut),play reader Jack Longley. prose reader Steve Cromp,. Dramatic Auditioner
Remy Marin, Hurd and Freundlich in extemporaneous kiddie lit, impromptu speakers ninth grader Anne Leclair (in her debut!) and Matt Goldberg, and Sophomore Jordan Kaufman, Programmed Poetry contestant Levitt, and the TV
News Team of Goldberg, Longley,and Walsh.
In Congressional Debate, Rachel Shmulevich narrowly missed finals, joined in her endeavors by fellow
sophomore Ava Wong. Needham also ‘brought out’ its’ Multiple Reading team of the year, consisting of junior Cady Gallagher along with Chammon, Goyal, Kaufman and Schultz.
Coach Samantha Gathers competed in the open to alumni event of Original Poetry. Coach Paul Wexler was
pleased by the Needham performance, and was also pleased by the plethora of Needham Speech and Debate alumni who judged, including many national award winners. noting that “their willingness to share their expertise while on vacation is a testimony to their support of our program and the next generation of Massachusetts speech and debaters. These alumni
included Danny Blackman and Samantha Jacobson ‘09, Caitlin Colgrove, Martha Farlow and Ben Oehlkers ‘08, and Hannah Freeman, Mikey Lintz, and Chris Lucibella ‘07. Steve Prizant ‘08 also visited. Coach Gathers also judged on the
day. The team will enjoy two weekends off before resuming competition on January 9th at Newton South High School. - Paul Wexler
NHS SPEECH AND DEBATE SUCCESSFULLY SPEAKS AT AMHERST COLLEGE
12/13/09 Amherst, MA - At Amherst College's the First Massachusetts Open Debate Tournament,
Needham had a fine performance. The team of Cady Gallagher and Rob Hurd
finished 2nd. Gallagher was the 6th place speaker.
The novice sophomore team of Jordan Kaufman and Amanda Schultz also enjoyed a fine day. Schultz
observed that the debate tournament was like 'martial arts in moccasins'.
Meanwhile, at Iowa's Dowling High School, Zoe Staum was one of a dozen debaters nationwide to be invited to the tournament's round-robin. She also reached elimination rounds at the ensuring 'regular' invitatonal. - Paul Wexler
NHS SPEECH AND DEBATE SUCCESSFULLY SPEAKS AT LINCOLN-SUDBURY
12/5/09 Lincoln, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team showed true grit at the Lincoln-Sudbury Wild West Speech and Debate Tournament Saturday, December 5th.
Juniors Ethan Samet and Remy Marin were first and third respectively in Original Oratory. Junior Mandy McCleary was prepped to finish third in Novice Extemporaneous. Sophomore Liz Hwang and junior Peter Farlow shone as third and fifth in Congressional Debate.
Shrishti Goyal and Amanda Schultz were ‘mean enough’ to earn 6th in Duo Interpretation. Ninth grader Steve Cromp rose above the group to top novice in group discussion. All of these students, as well Dramatic Performer Sarah Macfadden, Declamation specialists Anjali Pal and Eva Weintraub, Congressional Debater Rachel Shmulevich, and novice poetry reader Kevin Walsh earned bids towards the State Championships.
Marin earned a bid in Impromptu speaking. The Needham Team was fifth overall, driven by additional contributions from Impromptu speakers Jordan Kaufman (in his debut), and Jack Longley, Novice Reader Ella Sweeney, Radio Broadcaster Lisa Hawkridge. The improv multiple team of Goyal, Kaufman, Longley, Schultz, and Walsh quacked their way to recognition.
Judges included parents Carol Hwang, Carole Marin, and Kollol Pal. Coach Paul Wexler observed that the Needham performance was as clean as the “Saturday’s new fallen snow.” The team looks forward to debating at Amherst College December 13th and at The Holly Invitational at Natick High December 19th, the largest one day speech tournament hosted by a high school east of the Mississippi. - Paul Wexler
REVOLUTIONARY EXPERIENCE FOR NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM
11/21/09 Lexington, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate Team had a revolutionary experience on a pre-Thanksgiving Saturday at Lexington High School.
Sophomore Ava Wong was first place overall and second place speaker in Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Ninth grader George Chammoun was third place speaker. Ninth grader Brett Lancaster celebrated his debate debut with an excellent performance.
In Policy Debate, junior Cady Gallagher was third place speaker. Along with partner Rob Hurd, the Needham team was fifth overall. Hurd was the fifth place speaker. The performance was particularly impressive, coach Paul Wexler said, due to the necessity of Gallagher debating solo, or ‘maverick’ in her first round.
Senior Zoe Staum judged for Needham. “yet another great team wide performance from our novices and varsity” said Wexler. The team will enjoy the luxury of Thanksgiving with the limited opportunity to only debate turkeys before resuming the season at Lincoln-Sudbury.-Paul Wexler
HUGE WEEKEND FOR NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE
11/15/09 Natick, MA & Montrose, NY - The Speech and Debate Team had a b-successful week in Mid-November, with a high level of achievement at both the Hendrick Hudson Invitational in New York and the Burkhill Invitational at Natick High.
At Hendrick Hudson, the senior Public Forum Team of Rob Hurd and Aseem Mehta and senior Lincoln-Douglas Debater Kaushik Vasudevan earned bids to the National Tournament of Champions, held annually at the University of
Kentucky.
Hurd and Mehta were tournament runner-ups, Vasudevan a quarterfinalist. The bid, Hurd and Mehta's second, fully qualifies them to the tournament.
Junior Steve Berul reached the 'sweet sixteen' round, while teammate Nate Lintz reached double-octos, finishing 17th. Assistant coach Liz Stoker along with head coach PJ Wexler judged. The tournament attracted over two hundred and fifty debaters from as far afield as Alabama.
At Natick High, several Needham students won awards. Junior Ethan Samet was tournament champion in original oratory. Juniors Lauren Glenn and Ryan Zhang were tournament runner-ups in novice extemporaneous speaking and novice Lincoln-Douglas, respectively.
Ninth grader Jack Longley was fourth in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Ninth grader Anjali Pal was sixth in Declamation. Ninth grader Steve Cromp was top speaker in Novice Lincoln-Douglas. Senior Colleen Creeden was a finalist in Congressional Debate. The duo team of sophomores Sristhi Goyal and Amanda Schultz were
top novices in duo interpretation. Novice reader George Chamoun earned a qualifying leg towards states qualification.
Other competitors included ninth graders Maddi Freundlich, Lisa Hawkridge, and Eloise Terry sophomores Rebecca Chen, Dora Chi, Matt Lerner. Other Needham students included Original Orator junior Remy Marin, sophomore Declaimer Eva Weintraub, novice extemper junior Mandy McCleary,children's literature reader sophomore Rachel Levitt, and novice Lincoln-Douglas debaters ninth graders Matt Goldberg, Erin Lipman, and Abby Shneyder, all of whom who missed out on receiving rankings through tiebreakers, Congressional Debaters ninth grader Evan Keller, junior Pam Levy, and sophomore Rachel Shmulevich also competed.
Coaches on the day included tabulation room maestro Dave Lievense and speech coach Samantha Gathers. Judges included Chris Nakis, parents Terry Furman and Mark Glenn, and chaperone Ilisa Aronow. Their presence and contributions made the Needham performance possible. Students Laura Furman and Cady Gallagher judged, positively molding the novices into a fine debating force.
Coach Paul Wexler praised the Needham performance, noting that this was the first time in history Needham had over thirty students competing on the same day at two contests. "With our great many novices," he said, "Needham has the potential to be a rocketing educational and competitive success for years to come." - Paul Wexler
HALLOWEEN TREATS FOR NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM AT MANCHESTER-ESSEX AVERILL INVITATIONAL
10/31/09 Manchester, MA - The Needham High Speech and Debate Team had a tremendous performance at the Manchester High Tim Averill Invitational Halloween weekend. Each Varsity Debater received awards.
Junior Laura Furman finished second in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas, senior Kaushik Vasudevan and junior Nathan Lintz were semifinalists, and junior Steve Berul was a quarterfinalist. Furman advanced over Berul and Vasudevan in a coaches’ decision.
Junior Cady Gallagher was fifth place speaker, with Lintz was second place speaker and Vasudevan fourth place speaker.
The Public Forum Team of seniors Rob Hurd and Aseem Mehta, the top seeded team out of preliminary rounds, reached quarterfinals, earning a bid to the National Tournament of Champions.
In Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate, ninth grader Steve Cromp reached the quarterfinals, while fellow novice Amanda Schultz, in her debating debut, had a solid performance. Assistant coach Dave Lievense judged for Needham.
Head coach Paul Wexler was highly impressed with the Needham performance, noting that
for every debater with experience to win an award is “highly unusual.” - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM EXCELS AT DIGHTON-REHOBOTH FALL FEST
10/24/09 Dighton, MA - The Needham Speech and Debate team had an excellent performance at the Massachusetts Forensics League Opener at Deighton-Rehobath High School.
Sophomore Liz Hwang celebrated the onest of her career by winning the tournament championship in Congressional Debate in a heavily experienced field. She was named novice as well. In Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate, ninth grader Steve Cromp was tournament champion, the sole undefeated debater of the tournament.
Sophomore Kevin Sheng finished third. Senior Rob Hurd was second in varsity extemporaneous speaking junior Mandy McCleary third in novice extemporaneous. Senior Colleen Creeden was a finalist in Congressional Debate along with junior Sarah MacFadden. All received bids towards state finals qualification.
Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debaters Abby Shneyder and Matt Goldberg and novice reader Eloise Terry and varsity extemper Pam Levy also received bids towards states qualification.
Coach Paul Wexler noted that a great many of the Needham defeats in Lincoln-Douglas Debate were from teamates, as the size of the field made team-team debates impossible to avoid.
Effectively competing for Needham were Lincoln-Douglas debates Jodi Grosberg, Erin Lipman, Jack Longley, Harry Smith, Kevin Walsh, and Ava Wong, Declaimer Anjali Pal, Dramatic Performer George Chammon, the Duo Team of Amanda Schultz and Srishti Goyal, and Novice Readers Lisa Hawkridge, Matt Lerner, Rachel Shmulevich, and Ella Sweeny.
Parents Lisa Cherbuliez and Kollol Pal judged for Needham during the day, as did varsity students Zoe Stuam and Nate Lintz, long time assistant coach Dave Lievense and newcomer Liz Stoker. The Team next travels to Manchester- Essex Halloween weekend, before taking the first weekend of November off. - Paul Wexler
ROCKETS GO APPLE-PICKING IN NEW YORK CITY
10/18/2009 New York, NY. The Needham Speech and Debate Team polished off another successful weekend October 16-18 at the Bronx HS of Science in New York City.
The Public Forum Debate Team of Rob Hurd and Aseem Mehta reached the Octo-Final round, narrowly missing a bid to the Tournament of Champions. Lincoln-Douglas Debater Zoe Staum also won her first elimination round, reaching the double-octo finals.
Also successfully competing were Lincoln-Douglas debaters Steve Berul, Cady Gallagher, and Kaushik Vasudevan. Coach Paul Wexler noted that "many schools hopped off the plane from California and Texas to be at the Bronx Tournament, and we were nicely competitive with them all." The team next attends the Deightron-Rehobath Invitational on October 24th. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH AND DEBATE NOVICES ROCKET TO SUCCESS
10/10/2009 West Roxbury, MA. The record twenty-strong Needham High novice Speech and Debate contingent
had an “exemplary” day a the annual Massachusetts Forensics League Novice Tournament October 10th. The annual ‘kick-off’, hosted this year at Catholic Memorial, is a celebratory event to usher in the new season.
Winning awards in Duo Interp were sophomores Srishti Goyal and Amanda Schultz, in Lincoln-Douglas debate were ninth graders Steve Crom, Erin Lipman, Abby Shneyder, and sophomore Eva Wang, in Prose Reading were
sophomores Rebecca Chen, Janessa McQuivey, and Rachel Shmulevich, along with ninth grader Maddi Freundlich, in Extemporaneous Speaking junior Lauren Glenn, in Congressional Debate Liz Hwang and in Oratorical Performance Anjali Pal.
Debaters Annika Lee, Jodi Grosberg, Jack Longley, and Ryan Zhang narrowly missed winning awards, as did Dramatic Performer George Chamoun and Congressional debaters Ashwin Skelly and Evan Keller.
Seniors Rob Hurd and Aseem Mehta were highly efficient tournament majordomos, helping the tournament end ahead of schedule. Varsity members Collen Creeden, Laura Furman, Cady Gallagher, Nathan Lintz,Sarah Macfadden, and Kaushik Vasudevan all judged and aided in tournament administration.
Assistant coach Liz Stoker of Brandeis served as a “Liz of all trades” on the day. Coach Paul Wexler noted he was truly excited not only about the across-the-board recognition of the team, but also that non-award winning Needham students had universally received many kudos as well.
At the Monticello High School Kaiser Invitational, Senior Zoe Staum reached the quarterfinal round, finishing 5th overall. - Paul Wexler
SPEECH AND DEBATE SENDS OUT CLARION CALL AT YALE
10/4/09 New Haven, CT. The Needham Speech and Debate Team kicked off the freshly minted 2009-10 season with a solid performance at the Yale University Invitational.
Junior Nate Lintz (Lincoln-Douglas Debate) and Ethan Samet (original oratory) along with senior Colleen Creeden (Congressional Debate) reached elimination rounds. Lintz was also the 13th place speaker overall. Junior Remy Marin missed qualifying for elimination rounds on a tie-breaker.
Lincoln-Douglas debaters senior Zoe Staum and juniors Steve Berul, Laura Furman and Cady Gallagher, the 2009 Nebraska State runner-up and new transfer student, turned in solid performances. Humorous Interper junior Sarah Macfadden, junior Congressional Debaters Peter Farlow and Pam Levy , and the Public Forum Debate Team of seniors Rob Hurd and Aseem Mehta also had fine weekends.
Needham alums and assistant coaches Chris Lucibella and Mikey Lintz judged for Needham. Coach Paul Wexler praised the overall team standing as being signs of a freshly minted year. The team kicks off the local season at the annual Novice Extravaganza at Catholic Memorial Columbus Day weekend. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SUCCEEDS AT NFL NATIONALS
6/19/09 Birmingham, AL. The Needham Speech and Debate Team capped off a remarkably successful National Forensic League's National Championship Tournament June 19th in Birmingham, Alabama.
Senior captain Danny Blackman finished 2nd in the nation in the Senate division of Congressional Debate, the best performance in Needham history.
Junior Kaushik Vasudevan was in the top 25 of Lincoln-Douglas Debate, while sophomore Nate Lintz performed nicely.
Coach Paul Wexler said that "the best part of the tournament was a general feeling among our debates that the were performing top notch- Danny said his third speech in finals was the best of his career... while we had done well at nationals before, his was a moment to be treasured."
Needham students had previously finished as high as third at the contest, in 2000.
Wexler went on to praise the support of the Needham administration and community, along with the overall education in the Needham classrooms. " Coaching helps, but student work and the overall education from the beginning grades through high school are key to making a great debater. It takes support from the community to make that possible" .
Wexler also remarked on the support of the other New England schools in attendance, who gave Blackman an ovation at the district dinner following the awards ceremony. The week-long tournament is the largest high school academic competition in the nation. Approximately 3500 students attended the weeklong event, along with two thousand adult chaperones and judges, from the fifty states, Guam, and South Korea.
NEEDHAM SUCCEEDS AT CFL NATIONALS
5/25/09 Albany, NY. The Needham Speech and Debate Team had a highly competitive affair at the Catholic Forensic League's Grand National Tournament in Albany Memorial Day weekend, Senior Danny Blackman finished 9th in Congressional Debate for the second consecutive year.
Junior Colleen Creeden narrowly missed advancing to semifinals in congressional debate. Junior Kaushik Vasudevan and sophomore Nate Lintz (Lincoln-Douglas Debate) and sophomore Pam Levy (Congressional Debate) had commendable performances.
Alum and assistant Chris Lucibella, along with Paul Wexler, judged for Needham. Wexler praised the overall Needham work ethic and performance. The team next travels to the National Forensics League National Tournament in Alabama in June. - Paul Wexler
BLACKMAN AND HURD NATIONAL FORENSIC LEAGUE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS
5/11/09 Needham, MA. Needham High School senior Daniel Blackman and junior Robert Hurd have been named Academic All-Americans by the National Forensic League, the speech and debate national honor society. This recognition requires stellar academic performance as well as top-notch and consistant achievement in speech and debate activities. -Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM SPEECH TENTH AT STATES, BLACKMAN WINS TWO STATE TITLES
4/4/09 Westford, MA. The Needham Speech and Debate Team finished its local season at the Massachusetts State Speech Tournament Saturday, April 4th at Westford Academy. The team finished tenth overall, on the heels of its third place debate sweepstakes finish.
Team Captain Danny Blackman won two state titles on the day. He was named state champion in Congressional Debate for the second consecutive year, and also won the inagural ‘double speak’ award for success in two events from different categories. The second event was his quarterfinal finish in Public Forum Debate at Debate states.
Junior Colleen Creeden finished sixth in Congressional Debate. Also entering two events was sophomore Remy Marin in Impromptu speaking, for which she received an honorable mention, and Declamation.
Having successful days were sophomore Ethan Samet in declamation, junior Zoe Lu in Humorous Interp, prose reader and making her varsity debut Rachel Levitt, group discussion participant sophomore Tema Katz, and Congressional Debaters seniors Saman tha Jacobson and Srinivas Vasudevan and sophomores Pamela Levy and Emily Sun.
Judging for Needham were parents Dick Creeden and Carole Marin. Coach Paul Wexler waxed enthusiastic about the Needham overall performance. The Team looks forward to its’ annual performance night in May along with its trips to nationals in Albany and Birmingham. - Paul Wexler
NEEDHAM DEBATE THIRD AT STATES
3/30/09 Danvers, MA. The Needham Speech and Debate Team finished third at the Debate State championships last Saturday at St. John’s Prep in Danvers.
Emily Sun, undefeated in prelims, and Zoe Staum were respectively semifinalists in novice and varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Each dropped their semifinal round on a 2-1 decision of the judges.
Laura Furman and Nathan Lintz were fifth in novice and varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate, also respectively, each losing only once on the day.
The Public Forum Debate team of Danny Blackman and Aseem Mehta reached quarterfinals in the largest tournament division, with over fifty contending teams.
Sophomore Varsity LD Debater Steve Berul was 6th. Staum and Sun earned speaker awards.
Coach Paul Wexler said that the strong team-wide performance is what earned Needham its third place overall finish, with Needham debaters winning three-quarters of their preliminary rounds. Assistants Dave Lievense and Anna Konstantinova judged for Needham. The team will next compete at the State Speech Championships on April 4th at Westford Academy. -Paul Wexler
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