The HHS debate team, led by English teacher Peter Norment,  is coming off a strong showing at last years state tournament.  On Thursday, the team held its first meeting.

“I am excited about this year because I had a great experience last year, and I’m hoping this year will be just as good,” sophomore Madeline Culbreth said.

Culbreth, who is a public forum-style debater, took the class as an elective last year. In order to get an A in the class, she had to go to at least one debate tournament. After her first tournament, she decided to stick with, and went to the rest of the tournaments in the regular season.

Last year HHS sent seven debaters to states. No one placed, but the team is optimistic about their chances this year.

“Well, we lost a lot of seniors, but as far as Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas [style debate] goes, we will be fine,” Culbreth said.

And with at least ten fresh faces on the team this year, the future of HHS debate looks promising.