GROVES: Debate team secures tourney of champions invite

The Groves debate team made waves during their midwinter break, with the varsity duo of senior Vishwa Charabuddi and junior Carl Xie clinching the runner-up spot at the prestigious Green and Gold tournament at Glenbrook North High School.

Facing stiff competition from 50 teams across seven states, Charabuddi and Xie's stellar performance marked their third qualification for the Tournament of Champions in April.

"These kids aren't just winning debates; they're constantly pushing themselves to learn new strategies and tackle tougher opponents," Groves debate coach John Lawson said. "Their success comes from burning the midnight oil and putting in the hard work."

But the varsity team wasn't the only one turning heads. Rising star Helena Zweig, who only started debating in November, teamed up with veteran Charlisa Penzak to reach the quarterfinals at the Stephen F. Austin Invitational. The pair snagged the sixth seed among 17 teams from Texas and California, marking Zweig's debut in the varsity elimination rounds.

Charabuddi and Xie kept their winning streak alive at the University of Kentucky's online Tournament of Champions qualifier. They advanced to the elimination rounds, competing against 77 teams from across the U.S. and Taiwan.

Penzak proved she's not just a debater but a leader, too. She coached Birmingham Covington School's novice team of Sofie Dhar and Mason Bennett, guiding them to success in several tournaments.

The future looks bright for debate in Birmingham Public Schools. Under the tutelage and guidance of Penzak and BCS faculty member Joseph Leibson, Dhar and Bennett clinched first place at an online tournament based in Washington, D.C. Their win caps off a season that showcases the program's strength from novice to varsity levels.