Debate Claims First Place in a District UIL Policy Competition
The Brandeis debate (CX) team has recently claimed three of the top four spots in the district UIL policy debate competition. After much hard work, practice, and preparation, the team was able to celebrate their win.
Senior Chad Matthews and sophomore Henry Barajas claimed first place. Seniors Lauren Martinez and Zoraiz Zia received third place. Senior Abigail Milam and sophomore Michael Boehme won fourth place. As a result, Brandeis became the first place team in UIL Policy Debate.
Senior Zoraiz Zia has been a dedicated member of the team for years. He also won third place in cross examination (where members discuss policy issues) two years in a row. He shared his preparation for the competition.
“I prepared.I was up until like one making up random arguments. The strong thing is you choose a case to run, if you’re the affirmative team, and if you’re the negative team, you go against another team’s case,” Zia said.
The debate team covers a wide variety of possible topics, including the U.S. Government’s relations with China and other important global issues.
“We debated about how the U.S. Government should substantially increase engagement with China. So, we talk about issues from cyber security…to healthcare,” Zia said.
The team looks forward to the next competition, as they continue to advance to State.
Sophomore Sofia Angeles has been a member of varsity debate since her freshman year.
“It goes beyond just being a part of the Brandeis community; you make a lot of friends. It’s like your own little family that supports you, even though you argue with them half the time,” Angeles said.