St. Mary’s Dominican High School Speech and Debate team posted wins at the Louisiana High School Speech League (LHSSL) February Classic. Competition was virtual due to current pandemic health guidelines.

Dominican sophomore Shania Raimer won first place in the Advanced Lincoln Douglas debate. She competed under the resolution “states ought to ban lethal autonomous weapons” and for each round of debate was assigned a position for or against.

Team captain Isabella Paul, a junior, placed second in Original Oratory. She chose the topic, “The Zombie Effect.” In her presentation, she explained how social media can be addictive, why that addiction is harmful, and suggested ways to use social media without letting it have a negative impact on those who use social media.

Dominican coaches are Kristina Plunkett and Andrew Cerise. Moderators are Anna Brannin, Cameron Hahne, and Adam Naquin. The LHSSL is dedicated to promoting speech and debate competition in secondary schools in Louisiana. The league is open to any public, private, parochial, and independent school in Louisiana for students in Grades 9-12. It sanctions speech and debate tournaments throughout the school year, hosted by members or affiliates and conducts a State Championship tournament in the Spring.

Photos from Virtual Competition