BETHEL, Conn. – Last month, two seniors from the Fitch Debate traveled to Bethel to compete in the 2025 state finals for the Connecticut Debate Association.

The team, Zerek Laghari and Charlotte Beaulieu, joined more than 160 students from across the state at Bethel High School on March 29. The pairing fought hard against more experienced teams like Wilton High School, King School, Joel Barlow, and Stamford, earning strong and consistent scores during the competition. The team ended the day by going 1-3. The motion being argued was, “This house supports institutional neutrality.” This is when an institution like a college or university does not take stances on potentially controversial issues.

The team was assisted during argument prep by junior Megan Lacy, as well as Fitch faculty member Nicole Jackl and former Oxford High School debater Stephanie McNamara. During the prep, the team was given articles that alluded to the Palestinian protests last spring, the ethical choices universities have to make in remaining neutral or not, and the potential impact on students. 

“I’m incredibly proud of our seniors”, said coach Rick Pecka. “Zerek began debating as a junior, and Charlotte just started this year. I observed them both during the day, and they held their own against experienced teams.”

This was the second time that the Fitch Debate team has competed in a state final, the first being when Megan Lacy and Katie Virtue advanced in the novice final last season.

The debate is currently planning for next season, reviewing their recruiting and training practices in hopes of new growth.