Ranney Middle School’s debate team won first place for Percentages and second place for Total Team Wins at the Jersey Shore Debate League season tournament recently held in Rumson.
The event, which was held at Dean Porter Elementary in Rumson on March 11, attracted teams from Rumson Country Day, Forrestdale Middle School in Rumson Neptune Middle School, St. Rose of Lima in Freeehold, Barkalow Middle School in Freehold and Keansburg.
Advised by Ranney English teacher Dr. Carol Palermo, Ranney’s team of debaters consisted of eighth grader Bhavana Akula of Morganville and sixth graders Rowan Johnson of Oceanport and Julia Yanney of Colts Neck.
They tackled the following topics: “Zoos Do More Harm Than Good,” “Ban Alcohol Advertising,” “A Free Press Is More Important Than National Security” and “Public Colleges and Universities Should Be Tuition-free.”
In addition, Akula was awarded the top speaker prize for Ranney School.
The students from the school in Tinton Falls will now compete in the Northeast Regional tournament that is slated for May 6.