Debate Winners Show Skill and Civility

Westmont Sophomore Allison Trowbridge walked away the big winner of the college’s annual debate contest. Tournament of Expressions started with 128 students in early February and came to an end Feb. 28, with Trowbridge earning $500 as this year’s champion.

The runner up of the debate tournament was senior Jonathan Saur of Mission Viejo who ended up with $400. Trowbridge and Saur debated on the topic of a government’s use of torture to extract information from an alleged terrorist.

The tournament also allows students to compete in three categories of speeches. Philip York, a senior from Aurora, Colo., won in the Great Speeches category by delivering “Patrick Henry's Address to the House of 1775.” The winner of the Persuasive Speeches category was Brian Holland, a junior from Portland, Ore., who wrote and delivered “The Clear Picture on Clear Channel.” The Scripture Alive category was won by Greg Wright, junior from Encinitas, who memorized and recited James 3-5.

The annual tournament began in 1996 thanks to the generosity of Montecito residents Robert and Jean Svoboda. It was started to further the study and development of critical thinking in oral communication.

More than $9,000 in prize money was doled out to students.

(The attached photo shows Philip York, Allison Trowbridge, Brian Holland and Greg Wright.)