On Saturday, October 25, Xavier hosted thespians, interlocutors, and policy-makers of all ranks and abilities for the New York Catholic Forensic League’s Sister Raimonde Service Tournament. At the tournament, Xavier Speech and Debate exceled, putting on its best and most successful performance of the year so far. 

Many Xavier students received recognition for their respective performances. Malcolm Queneau ’15 came in 5th place in Student Congress and became the first Son of Xavier this year to qualify for the New York State Forensic Championships in April. Joseph Papeo ’16 came in 6th in Varsity Extemporaneous, Steven LaRussa ’17 came in 7th place in J.V. Extemp., Adam Lyons ’15 came in 8th place in Varsity Poetry, Philip LaBianca ’17 came in 9th place in J.V. Poetry, and Michael Kolitsko ‘17 received honorable mention in J.V. Poetry. Each of the aforementioned students, save Malcolm Quineau, who already qualified, came one step closer to qualifying for States, which for most competitors is the ultimate goal of the season.

This year’s tournament is the third time that Xavier has hosted a large-scale competition in recent memory, and for many the prospect of competing at Xavier was a tremendous thrill. “I think that the whole team benefitted from competing at Xavier,” said Joseph Papeo. “In many ways, competing in a place we all love and with which we are very familiar is very empowering.”

Xavier’s performance at the NYCFL tournament marks the Speech and Debate program’s continued resurgence after many dormant years. The team is still young, and with roughly 30 members, smaller than most other teams in its league. Their performance and success at individual tournaments, however, suggests that Xavier is a force to be reckoned with, one that will continue to grow, succeed, and, as the team’s motto purports, to foster eloquent and persuasive Men for Others in the Jesuit tradition for years to come.

The Advancement Staff had the chance to speak with several of the members of the Speech and Debate team, to find out more about the program and what they hope to gain from participation. When asked why a student should join Speech and Debate, Joseph Papeo replied, confidently and without hesitation, “Speech and Debate offers a great high school experience. It allows you to travel to different states and schools, and create new friends and memories in each of them. In addition, it helps you become a more well-informed citizen and requires you to become well-versed in many different—and important—subjects, and it prepares you for situations in life where you have to speak eloquently on the fly in an organized manner.”

All students are welcome to join Xavier’s Speech and Debate team. If anybody is interested in developing the aforementioned skills and contribute to the enduring legacy of a successful and proud Xavier tradition, or looking for more information regarding the program, please contact Mr. Edward Walsh, Moderator of the Speech and Debate Team, at WalshE@xavierhs.org.