Bennett and Summers win debate championship

The Raytown South and Raytown High School Speech and Debate teams competed in the Missouri State High School Activities Association State Tournament on April 20-21, 2012 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The tournament does not divide schools by class (1A though 6A), and all competitors from all levels are interspersed for the competition.

Raytown South Seniors Joseph Bennett and Joseph Summers won the state Championship in Public Forum Debate defeating Springfield Central on a 3-0 decision in the final round. Bennett and Summers have both qualified for the National Debate Tournament to be held in July.

Joseph Bennett

Joseph Summers

Other All-State winners for Raytown South were: David Easley and Amanda Mesa, 4th in Policy Debate and Garrett Poorman, 4th in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and 6th in Extemporaneous Speaking. The Cardinals are coached by Matt Good.

The top finishers for Raytown High School were Junior Jackson Bonifield with Sophomore Claire Robins, who finished 11th place in Policy Debate. The Bluejays are coached by Mark Harris.