Speech & Debate Team Ranked Among the Top 20 Debate Schools Nationwide
The Speech & Debate team from American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus, has demonstrated exceptional prowess at the 2024 National Speech and Debate Association’s National Speech & Debate Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa. Competing against the best in the nation, the team earned one prestigious team award and 16 individual accolades, underscoring the school’s commitment to excellence in speech and debate.
The Speech & Debate team proudly received the Debate School of Excellence award, distinguishing American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus, as one of the Top 20 debate schools in the country. This award reflects the team's consistent dedication and hard work throughout the year.
Our high school debaters showcased their skills and achieved remarkable placements: Jordan Melamed secured 2nd Place and Final Round Presiding Officer, auto-qualifying for the 2025 National Tournament; Ryon Jemail earned 6th Place, also auto-qualifying for the 2025 National Tournament; and Skyler Burrus was recognized as a Four-Time National Qualifier. Our junior high debaters also made significant strides, with Simon Liberzon achieving 2nd Place and Final Round Presiding Officer. In the individual events, our junior high students excelled, with Lilia Shalaurov taking 3rd Place in Informative Speaking.
TEAM AWARDS
Debate School of Excellence (Top 20 in the Country)
INDIVIDUAL AWARD
HIGH SCHOOL CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE
Jordan Melamed - 2nd Place and Final Round Presiding Officer (Auto-Qualified to the 2025 National Tournament)
Ryon Jemail - 6th Place (Auto-Qualified to the 2025 National Tournament)
Sebastian Asady - Semifinalist
Enan Khan - Semifinalist
Bryan Dominguez - Quarterfinalist
HIGH SCHOOL SUPPLEMENTAL EVENTS
Skyler Burrus - Extemp Commentary - 5th Place
Skyler Burrus - Impromptu Speaking - Semifinalist
Eli Levy - Storytelling - Semifinalist
Jason Cohen - Extemp Debate - Double Octofinalist
Chloe Wolf - Extemp Debate - Double Octofinalist
Kayli Harris - Original Spoken Word - Double Octofinalist
ADDITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS
Skyler Burrus - Four-Time National Qualifier
JUNIOR HIGH CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE
Simon Liberzon - 2nd Place and Final Round Presiding Officer
JUNIOR HIGH INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
Lilia Shalaurov - Informative Speaking - 3rd Place
Evelyn Murthy & Lilia Shalaurov - Duo Interpretation - Semifinalists
Lilia Shalaurov - Original Spoken Word Poetry - Semifinalist
Evelyn Murthy - Declamation - Quarterfinalist
Their success at the 2024 NSDA National Tournament is a testament to their commitment to excellence in communication, critical thinking, and performance.The team's achievements this year set a high bar and inspire all students at American Heritage Schools to strive for excellence in their endeavors.
Congratulations to all the participants for their outstanding performances and to the coaches for their unwavering support and guidance. We look forward to witnessing more remarkable achievements from the Speech & Debate team in the coming years.
About the National Speech & Debate Association
The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) connects, supports, and inspires a diverse community committed to empowering students through speech and debate. Founded in 1925, the NSDA aims to foster communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity among students. The annual National Tournament is a premier event, bringing together the best young orators and debaters from across the country.
For more information about the National Speech & Debate Association and detailed results, visit NSDA’s official website.