Jalon Alexander, Jeff Kessler Win Perspectives
PHILADELPHIA, Penn. — The Voices of Philadelphia Tournament, held at Drexel University, concluded today with two exciting final rounds in the varsity and novice divisions. This tournament brings together students from Perspectives Debate Inc.’s thirteen schools to conclude their year of afterschool debate programming.
The varsity final round featured first seed Jalon Alexander and second seed Melanie Young, both from Bodine High School. In the round, Jalon defeated Melanie to win the tournament. In the novice final round, Jeff Kessler of Science Leadership Academy defeated Michael Watson of Shaw Middle School to take top honors.
Congratulations to all four debaters! In the case of students from the same school facing each other in the elimination rounds, the tournament had the students debate, so they could get in extra practice.
“Special thanks to Drexel University for hosting the event, Jon Cruz for donating trophies, Alex Anderson for directing the tournament, and Matt Scarola for tabbing,” added Ali Huberlie.
Jalon and Melanie are coached by Maria Fitzgerald, Ali Huberlie, and Eric Maltiel.
Jeff is coached by Katie Poulos and Diana Laufenberg; Michael is coached by Paul Perry, Vaughn Stewart, and Amy Wei
Jalon Alexander, the varsity champion, was also honored as Student of the Year by Perspectives. His coach, Maria Fitzgerald, was recognized as Coach of the Year.
Lucas Hartman received recognition as Volunteer of the Year while Dr. Veronica Joyner was recognized as Administrator of the Year. Finally, Constitution High School — coached by Aisha Madhi and Aaseesh Polvarapu — was named School of the Year.
LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE
QUARTERS
(1) Bodine JA def. (8) Paul Robeson RT (Robert Tucker)
(2) Bodine SM def. (7) Constitution NB (Nikki Branhut)
(3) Bodine MY def. (6) Constitution IM (Ian McShea)
(4) Science Leadership SB def. (5) Paul Robeson NW (Nasha Ward)
SEMIS
(1) Bodine JA def. (4) Science Leadership SB (Shareesa Bollers)
(2) Bodine MY def. (3) Bodine SM (Steven McFarland)
FINALS
(1) Bodine JA def. (2) Bodine MY (Melanie Young)
CHAMPION
(1) Bodine JA (Jalon Alexander)
—
TOP SPEAKERS
1. Jalon Alexander — Bodine High School (PA)
2. Steven McFarlane — Bodine High School (PA)
3. Shareesa Bollers — Science Leadership Academy (PA)
4. Melanie Young — Bodine High School (PA)
5. Nasha Ward — Robeson High School (PA)
—
NOVICE SEMIS
(1) Science Leadership JK def. (4) Shaw AW (Andrew Wilkins)
(2) Shaw MW def. (3) Shaw BK (Brandi Kennedy)
NOVICE FINALS
(1) Science Leadership JK def. (2) Shaw MW (Michael Watson)
NOVICE CHAMPION
(1) Science Leadership JK (Jeff Kessler)
—
TOP NOVICE SPEAKERS
1. Jeff Kessler — Science Leadership Academy (PA)
2. Michael Watson — Shaw Middle School (PA)
3. Andrew Wilkins — Shaw Middle School (PA)
4. Johanna Nyame — Shaw Middle School (PA)
5. Dominic Everett — Shoemaker High School (PA)
—
SWEEPSTAKES AWARDS
1. Bodine High School (PA)
2. Shaw Middle School (PA)
3. Science Leadership Academy (PA)
—
PERSPECTIVES DEBATE HONORS
Student of the Year: Jalon Alexander — Bodine High School (PA)
Coach of the Year: Maria Fitzgerald — Bodine High School (PA)
Volunteer of the Year: Lucas Hartman — University of Pennsylvania
Administrator of the Year: Dr. Veronica Joyner, MCSCS
School of the Year: Constitution High School (Coach: Aisha Madhi; Volunteer: Aaseesh Polvarapu)
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7 Responses to “Jalon Alexander, Jeff Kessler Win Perspectives”
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Posted from: 67.205.7.31
April 26th, 2009 15:27
[...] defeated Millburn’s Tess McNulty on a 3-2 decision. TFL State (NC) — Awaiting Results Voices of Philadelphia — Finals: Bodine’s Jalon Alexander defeated Bodine’s Melanie Young. Novice [...]
Posted from: 70.15.43.114
April 26th, 2009 23:01
HELL YES JALON!!!
Great job, leaving a war path!
Posted from: 205.221.1.253
April 27th, 2009 09:49
Congratulations (again!) to coach Katie Poulos. It stands to reason that so outstanding a debater should become an outstanding coach and leader in the community.
Posted from: 128.91.66.172
April 27th, 2009 12:29
First, congratulations to Michael and Jeff (who are both just thirteen!) and Melanie and Jalon (who are both sophomores!) for their final round appearances. All four of you, as well as every other student at the tournament worked incredibly hard, and we’re very, very proud of you.
I want to publicly acknowledge a few individuals that are truly the driving forces behind Perspectives, and especially behind our tournaments. First, to Alex Anderson, who is the most competent, calm, and efficient tournament director ever. Perspectives is incredibly fortunate to have Alex, and he is the number one reason we’re able to put on high-quality events. Second, to Katie Poulos (who seems to always have students in finals of Voices!) for being a great volunteer and always being willing to judge anything and everything (we know how much she loves it). Third, to Alok Choksi, who is not only the one who got the Bodine program off to such a fantastic start last spring, but is always ready and willing to do the most annoying jobs at tournaments, while never complaining. Alok keeps our tournaments on time, and running smoothly, and without him we’d be lost! Fourth, to Lindsay Dolan, who not only commutes into Philly to volunteer, but is always ready and willing to do any job at a tournament. Like Alok, she is one of the chief reasons we’re able to run great tournaments. Finally, congratulations to Matt Scarola on wrapping up a great year working for Perspectives. We’ve been so fortunate to have you, and we’ll miss you!
Finally, HUGE thanks to Jon Cruz for donating the beautiful trophies, and to our board members–Grant Keener, Veronica Finkelstein, and Sue Hayes–for their constant support.
Posted from: 70.118.127.70
April 28th, 2009 18:44
Major congrats to Jalon Alexander!
Posted from: 98.111.169.46
April 28th, 2009 22:10
Firstly i would like to say thanks to all that helped me, Including the worlds greatest coach Ali Huberlie. I apreciate the great help of all of my friends including JP Melanie Steve Blaise quincey and others. Huge thanks to all of you i apreciate it Next year will be awesome I promise!!!!!!!! but who said this one wasnt.
Posted from: 69.118.247.64
April 28th, 2009 22:47
congrats Jalon and Steve