Speech & Debate Team Shines at Florida Blue Key Tournament

The Upper School Speech and Debate team spent Halloween weekend in Gainesville, Florida competing at the 42nd Annual Florida Blue Key Speech & Debate Tournament, one of the most respected and historic competitions in the nation. Hosted by the University of Florida’s Blue Key organization, the event drew high school teams from across the country along with several international programs.

The event fielded 204 competitors from Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.

Benjamin entered two teams in Public Forum Debate: Benjamin AS, represented by freshman Teo Azqueta and senior Evan Sluiters, and Benjamin AO, represented by seniors London Allen and Owen Olbers. Over six competitive rounds, the duos debated opponents from across the country, as well as international teams.

Junior Finley Strauss took on a rigorous Student Congress schedule, debating a wide array of student-written legislation, earning 10th overall in her event. The win earned her entry qualification for The JW Patterson Tournament of Champions (TOC), a premier national and international high school speech and debate championship, hosted by the University of Kentucky annually each April. 

Throughout the tournament, Benjamin students were consistently recognized for the qualities that define the program; respect, discipline, and a commitment to civil discourse. 

The team now turns its focus to the November PBCFL Tournament, hosted locally at Dwyer High School, where they aim to continue an already outstanding season.