NEW HAVEN, Conn. – For the first time since 2024, Fitch debaters participated at Osterweis, with one senior taking away high honors.

On March 1, four Fitch debaters traveled to Yale University to compete in the Rollin G. Osterweis Tournament, where over 20 schools from across the state participated. The tournament is aimed at providing high-schoolers with experience in the collegiate parliamentary style of debate. In the regular rounds, senior and co-captain Avery Horan came away with high honors, earning fifth place in the varsity division. She and her partner, senior Megan Lacey, went 2-2 for the day.

Unlike standard competitions in the Connecticut Debate Association,  students were given a new motion every round. All topics were picked by members of the Yale Debate Association, who also judged competitors. The topics ranged from the impact of media and politics to government oversight of the pharmaceutical industry, to personal responsibility when having god-like influence. 

Other debaters from Fitch were juniors Ruby Pendola and Hanah Masters. They ended the day going 2-1, but dropped out due to illness. 

The majority of the event took place on the Yale campus at Linsly-Chittenden Hall, where most varsity rounds were held. Novice rounds were also held at Harkness Hall. Students from across the state had the chance to take in the famous Neo-Gothic architecture, which dates back to the 18th century.

Horan and Lacey will also be joining senior Katie Virtue and junior Helen Miller at the CDA final at Bethel High School on March 28.