Brebeuf debaters finish 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at regional championships, and send two representatives to Ontario championships in Hamilton.

Fresh off the heels of their dominating performance at Pope John Paul II's Pro-Con debate, in which Brebeuf finished with the highest total points of all participating schools, and each debater received an individual award (Stephen Healey- 1st overall, Brendan Kennedy- 2nd overall, and Vincent Marmion and Albert Ko- honourable mention), Brebeuf debaters once again dominated their competition at the Ontario Student Debating Union Regional Finals at Riverdale Collegiate, on Saturday, February 8.

The team of Stephen Healey, Brendan Kennedy, Albert Ko, and Vincent Marmion that was so successful at the J.P.II Pro-Con debate once again represented Brebeuf at the O.S.D.U. regional finals. The hauntingly topical resolution, "Is the United States the greatest threat to world peace?" spawned lively and passionate debate amongst all those involved. Individually, Brebeuf debaters once again led the pack; Stephen Healey finished 2nd overall, Brendan Kennedy finished 3rd overall, and Vincent Marmion finished 4th overall.

"I knew we were a strong team, but with all the great debating schools present at this competition, I didn't expect us to come out on top, and I never would have predicted us to take three of the top four individual awards," an elated Brendan Kennedy said, upon being presented with the trophy for "Top School" along with his equally excited and surprised colleagues.

The Metro North division that Brebeuf belongs to sends a team of four representatives to the Ontario Debating Championships, in Hamilton on the weekend of March 28-30. The top four individual debaters from the Metro North division are usually sent, but due to a technicality that limits the participants from a single school to two, Vincent Marmion will not be representing Brebeuf alongside Stephen Healey and Brendan Kennedy. Upon hearing about this restricting stipulation, Vince was understandably upset, "This is wrong. The Ontario championships should be a celebration of the best debaters in the province, but with this rule someone who scored fewer points than me gets to go, and I stay behind. This rule promotes mediocrity."

Still, spirits are high at the Brebeuf Debating camp. For the second straight year, Brebeuf will be sending at least one representative to the Ontario Championships. Last year, veteran debater, Michael Sefcik, proudly represented Brebeuf at the O.S.D.U. Championships. Hopefully the Debating Society will report back with good news after the Ontario Championships at the end of March. "I am extremely confident that Stephen and Brendan will do exceptionally well in Hamilton, and will represent Brebeuf with integrity and class," debating moderator, Mrs. Boetto said of Brebeuf's representatives. The Brebeuf community wishes the best of luck to Stephen and Brendan in their upcoming competition.

The Debating Society meets every Thursday after school in Mrs. Boetto's room, in the English wing. New members are always welcome. See Mrs. Boetto, President Stephen Healey, or Vice-President Albert Ko, if you are interested in joining.