Seniors Ezgi Ilhan, Laura Santangelo, Keerthi Gondi, Yasmin Younis, Rigel Robinson and Noreen Webster celebrate their two State titles after the MSHSAA State Speech, Debate and Theatre Competition. “Winning not only one but two State titles was completely unexpected,” Santangelo said. “I’m very happy and proud to have been a part of it.”

Between 123 competing schools, seniors Keerthi Gondi, Laura Santangelo and Noreen Webster won two of the 15 available State titles during the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) State Speech, Debate and Theatre Competition.

“I don’t usually go into State with high expectations because there is lots of talent there. But this year was a bit different,” Debate Coach Cara Borgsmiller said. “All of our competitors had very successful seasons and had the experience and talent do to well. I didn’t doubt for a second that all five of them had the ability to win.”

Within the five competing students, Gondi placed 6th in Foreign Exempt, Webster placed 1st in Original Oratory and the pair of Gondi and Santangelo placed 1st in Policy Debate. Senior Rigel Robinson placed 9th in the Humorous Interpretation category while senior Yasmin Younis placed 8th in Dramatic Interpretation.

To compete in the Original Oratory category, Webster memorized a 10-minute persuasive speech. The goal of Webster’s speech was to convince women that being single is not a “disease,” but a very acceptable way of life. Webster has been researching, organizing and writing her speech since September.

“Winning State was a full circle moment for me; a great ending to my career in this activity. I couldn’t have even qualified to compete had it not been for Borgsmiller, who gave me the help and confidence I needed. I have loved every moment of this activity: the people, the competition, the losses, and the wins. I’m just so lucky to have the perfect ending to this truly amazing experience,” Webster said.

Gondi and Santangelo competed as a team in the Policy Debate category. Policy Debate is a two on two debate where each team is given a topic for the entire year. This year, the affirmative team presented a policy that the government should install in order to improve the economic engagement in Latin America. Gondi and Santangelo then presented the negative side, a response to their plan and explanation of why it would be ineffective for the government to adopt their policy.

“It was incredible. We completely didn’t expect it and when we heard our team chanting for us as we went to get our trophy I was so happy,” Santangelo said.

Webster, Gondi and Santangelo all started debating as underclassmen and have been furthering their knowledge and strategies throughout their time as part of the Parkway West Debate Team.

“All three of them started out as rambunctious underclassman. They were smart and enthusiastic but of course that comes along with a lack of control and the general nature of young teenagers. But they set their eyes on a goal: to better themselves. They worked tirelessly through drafts, practice rounds, tournaments and ballots to make sure that they didn’t just take home trophies, but a stronger, better version of themselves,” Borgsmiller said.

Webster, Gondi and Santangelo all plan to attend college and pursue their chosen career paths.

“I know someday you will hear these names and see these faces because they have become more determined than ever to continue on a path of hard work and success,” Borgsmiller said.