St. Matthew’s Debate Team Wins December Classic!

The St. Matthew’s Parish School middle school debate team continued its winning streak this season, capturing first place at the December Classic, the second tournament of the 2025-2026 season on December 13th at The Water Garden in Santa Monica.

The home tournament hosted by St. Matthew’s welcomed an unprecedented field of 119 debaters and 28 judges from 10 different schools – double the competition faced at October’s opening tournament. St. Matthew’s rose to the challenge, winning the tournament with the highest percentage of wins across all participating schools. The team also secured second place in total number of wins, claiming victory in 15 out of 20 rounds throughout the day.

Individual excellence shone through as several St. Matthew’s debaters earned recognition as Top Speakers, placing in the top fifth of the tournament (Harry H. – 25th place; James H. – 14th place; Mila L. – 11th place; Mac M.- 10th place; Alexandra S. – 9th place; Adelaide G. – 6th place; John V.  – 2nd place overall speaker.

Top Team Awards went to the following St. Matthew’s Parish School teams: 3rd Place: Mila L., Adelaide G., John V.; 2nd Place: Christian L., Harry H., Jake H.; and 1st Place: Axel G., Finn P., Mac M.

The 2025-2026 debate team comprises 15 students from sixth and seventh grade, who competed against Geffen Academy of UCLA, Mirman School, New Roads School, St. Martin of Tours School, St. Paul the Apostle School, Sycamore Community School, Westside Neighborhood School, the Willows, and Windward School. 

“Our students deserve all the recognition for their hard work – we couldn’t be more proud of them!” said Justine Bernacet and Dara Zukoski, debate coaches and St. Matthew’s teachers, who helped lead the team at the tournament. 

This strong showing builds on the program’s established reputation for excellence. Throughout the competitive season, St. Matthew’s consistently ranks among the league’s top-performing schools, frequently placing teams in the top 15 while individual debaters earn recognition for their exceptional speaking skills.

With two successful tournaments completed and impressive performances at both, the St. Matthew’s debate team has established itself as a force to be reckoned with this season by demonstrating the skill and preparation needed to compete at the highest level and is poised for continued success as the season progresses.