Bangor High School Debate Performs Well At Weekend Debate Meet

The Maine State Debate Championships took place at Bangor High School this past Saturday, and the home team of Bangor High did not disappoint.

Bangor High Debate Team Coach, Matthew Leland, said 17 schools from across the state brought 160 competitors to the event.  And Bangor High won 8 medals at the event.

"Our team was supposed to be in a growth year. Our team only had 1 senior and 1 junior competing, both in congressional debate, which is remarkable because it means that we took the debate state championship with only 9th and 10th graders, meaning our team will remain formidable for many years to come."

"In the two years I've been coach at Bangor, I've seen a great deal of growth from everyone on the team, and I'm extremely proud of all they have accomplished."

Leland said In addition to debate medalists, there was also a speech state champion and a congressional debate state champion from Bangor High.

The Bangor School Department issued a statement naming the winning participants from the high school.

"Overall, the team did extremely well, and has been named the Debate State Champions for 2022-2023.

In Varsity debate, Julianna Venturelli placed 3rd, Kaitlyn Kelleter placed 2nd, and Elizabeth Shum placed 1st, achieving the title of the State Lincoln-Douglas Debate Champion."

Bangor Superintendant, James Tager, issued a statement on behalf of the Bangor School Department, Monday, applauding the team for representing Bangor High so well.

"I am proud of the versatility, ingenuity, intelligence, and cohesiveness that the Bangor High School Speech and Debate Team demonstrates. Programs such as this are made possible by dedicated coaches and a school administrative team that values co and extra-curricular participation for all students."

Also placing in the Top 5 at this weekend's debate meet were Maddie Carrol who placed 5th in Novice Poetry and Joey Rutledge who placed 4th in humorous interpretation in the Speech category.

In the Congressional debate category, Bangor had 3 students place in the Top 5: Emily Rutherford, Brayden Sloan placed 5th and Beatrix Foster placed 3rd.

Well done, Rams!