Padre Pio Academy’s Speech & Debate Team Looks to Return to Nationals



The classically educated students at Padre Pio Academy often see the world differently than other children their age.  After all, the Mission of the small academy in Lakewood is “to instill in its pupils the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ that will burn throughout their lives, undimmed by the winds of this world.”   No Common Core at this place.

So what happened last year when this unique academy that provides classical, Catholic education for students in kindergarten through twelfth grades began to compete against the large well-funded schools throughout our community in  forensics competitions ?  Well, the students from Padre Pio Academy shocked the Speech & Debate establishment last season with a string of outstanding performances culminating in a 13th place finish in a prestigious national competition.

The Road to Nationals for the young orators included an impressive string of victories throughout the State of Ohio:
Balin Kimbrell and Gideon Fry won the OSDA (Ohio Speech and Debate Association) State Championship for Middle School 2-Person Debate. They also went undefeated in the final tournament held at Poland Middle School in Poland, OH.

In addition, the team which also included Andrew Fry and help from Olive Kimbrell during the season, accomplished the following:

Mentor High School Champions, Novice 2-Person Debate (this is the first high school tournament the team has ever won)
Hathaway Brown School Champions, Middle School 2-Person Debate
Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School Champions, Middle School 2-Person Debate
Solon High School Champions, Middle School 2-Person Debate
Balin and Gideon went undefeated in the State of Ohio all year
The entire team went undefeated in the State of Ohio all year

Gideon Fry was ranked 7th place speaker at Groves High School in High School (Michigan) Novice 2-Person Debate Tournament.

Gideon Fry was ranked 10th place speaker at Wayne State University (Michigan) Novice 2-Person Debate Tournament.

The young team members not only succeeded in Middle School tournaments, Balin, Gideon, and Andrew also competed in six high school level tournaments this year to gain experience and won their share of rounds against much older students.
This year, the Padre Pio Speech & Debate Team is hoping to attract new members to join its novice debate squad.  Padre Pio Academy is a member of the Nationals Speech and Debate Association and would like to add both high school and middle school students to this year’s team.   The first year of debate students learn how to prepare speeches, work with a partner, and compete against other schools.     Local competitions are on the weekends and are an opportunity to meet other students from around the region. 

Debate helps students to build communication skills, think critically, and learn about the world around them.  Additionally, the students have fun traveling to other schools and learning the new topics for the year.

For more information on Padre Pio Academy:

Website:  https://www.pioacademy.org/

Facebook:  Padre Pio Academy

Twitter:  @padrepioacademy


“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe all I've commanded. And lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age"

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