Students Find Their Voice With Middle and Upper School Debate

For 10 years, Poly has hosted the Tri-League Middle School Debate Tournament, filling every space on campus with students eager to make real-world arguments about pressing issues in our society. Behind the scenes, Middle School faculty and debate coaches Katie Ward and Paul Johnson coordinate the complex logistics of the event, including recruiting judges who help guide the next generation of debaters.

“One of my favorite things is seeing Upper School students come back to judge,” Katie said. “They give thoughtful feedback; they model what good debate looks like; and they genuinely want to help the younger kids succeed.”

Over the years, Poly has built a strong tradition of debate, starting in Middle School, where students first discover parliamentary debate. During their Upper School transition, students have opportunities to compete on the national circuit. Michael Murray has served as Upper School Debate Coordinator for the past two years, alongside assistant coaches Nathan Saper and Dexter Winn, whose leadership has supported the Upper School program and expanded competitive opportunities and mentorship.

“Our Middle School program is one of Poly’s greatest strengths,” Michael said. “It’s consistent, it’s rigorous, and it gives students an early foundation in confidence and critical thinking. When students come into Upper School debate from that background, they’re not starting from scratch—they already know how to work as a team, how to structure an argument, and how to speak with purpose.”

During this season, the Upper School team has attended over 15 competitions in Berkeley, San Diego, Minneapolis, and national online circuits, with more travel to come. The National Speech and Debate Association named Poly part of the 100 Club, based on the school’s strength in national competitions. Students build a strong foundation in parliamentary debate and then explore different debate styles in the Upper School, including Worlds, Lincoln-Douglas, forensics, and policy. The parliamentary debate program ranked first in Southern California and 10th nationally among 50 schools. 

For seniors like Clive B. ’26, the journey has been as meaningful as the accolades. “One of my favorite moments from Debate was when we won the Steven Stewart Memorial tournament,” Clive said. “It was our second tournament of the year, and after getting knocked out early in the first one, it really felt like a redemption arc. We showed who we are and earned a bid to the national championship.”

Beyond competition, students point to the camaraderie and shared experiences that define the team. Sophomore Ashlyn M. ’28 shared how activities like mini-golfing and laser tag during travel weekends helped bond the team. For younger debaters, the support system is key. “There’s a big learning curve at first,” said 9th-grader Lina H. ’29, “but we’ve been really supported by upperclassmen and mentored closely by our coaches.”

As a coach, Michael sees the value of debate lasting beyond high school. “Speech and debate help students find their voice,” Michael said, “not just in competition, but in how they engage with the world—whether that’s starting a nonprofit, pursuing law or public service, or simply learning how to have thoughtful conversations across differences.”

In the Middle School, all students are exposed to debate through the Block program. The style of parliamentary debate allows students to explore issues from both “prop” and “opp” perspectives, meaning debating for or against an issue. Its fluid style helps students gain confidence in public speaking and critical thinking. All sixth graders rotate through debate, where they sample formal debates, participate in debate games, and build comfort speaking in front of peers. The year often culminates in a friendly introductory tournament that gives students their first taste of competition.

“It’s really about exposure and confidence at that age,” said Middle School debate coach Katie Ward. “They learn how to organize their thinking, how to listen to opposing viewpoints, and how to respond respectfully. Those skills show up everywhere, both in the classroom and beyond.”

By seventh and eighth grade, students can join the after-school debate team, which has grown significantly in recent years. With nearly 60 students involved, the Middle School program regularly competes in league tournaments hosted by other independent schools in the Los Angeles area.

“We don’t really see one big ‘aha’ moment,” said coach Paul Johnson. “What we see is steady growth. A seventh grader who’s hesitant in the fall is suddenly making clear, confident arguments by spring. Watching that progression is incredibly rewarding.”

For Alice Y. ’30, debate is more than doing research, arguing a side, or going to tournaments. She shared that participating in debate allowed her to meet people she would never have met otherwise and to make lasting friendships. “Besides making friends, I became confident in what I was saying, which allowed me to trust in my ideas, knowing that I had evidence and reasoning to back it up—something that has really translated into my life as my experience grew. I value debate because I know that everything I have learned in the course of my Middle School experience will carry into later aspects of my life, and I know I will be grateful for all the things I've learned and all the people I've met along the way,” said Alice.

"Debate has taught me that skill matters, but so does luck. What you can control is how clearly you think, how well you listen, and how you respond when things don’t go as planned," shared Evan K. ’30, who took home a gavel for best individual performance at the Poly’s Rancho California Debate League Tournament.

With discussions underway to expand Upper School Debate competition opportunities, the future of Poly debate looks bright. But for Michael and the Middle School coaches, the heart of the program remains the same.

“This is about education first,” Michael said. “It’s about creating a place where students feel that curiosity, ideas, and thoughtful disagreement are valued—and where they can grow into confident, engaged citizens.”

Looking ahead, both programs have exciting upcoming tournaments, including national-level championship events in several debate categories in the Upper School. Poly looks forward to the future successes and growth of both teams.