16 Oct 2019
Punchbowl Boys’ High School’s Year 7 & 8 debating team has been crowned as champions for Zone 12 of the Sydney South West region in the 2019 Premier’s Debating Challenge.
The team consists of Adib El-Sett, Ali Tellaoui, Jad Karrajah, Amin Aggag, and late addition, Umar Sha.
Debating coordinator, Mr. Francis Floresca, said that the school was thrilled to win their second Stage 4 zone title in a row.
“We have not won back-to-back zone titles in decades,” said Mr. Floresca cheerfully. “We are all happy to be a part of this repeat.”
With two gutsy wins against Liverpool Boys’ High School and East Hills Girls’ Technology High School, the quintet of first time debaters’ only loss came in their inaugural debate against Liverpool Girls’ High School.
“As a group of first time debaters, I never thought that our skills could take us this far,” said El-Sett, who cannot stop smiling after the news broke.
Ms. Katherine Zeman, who coached the team this year alongside Mr. Antonio Mancia, said that the boys’ victory was one of the highlights of her early career.
“I’m so proud and excited at how far they have come,” said Ms. Zeman, who is currently in her first year of teaching.
The boys are now headed to the regional inter-zone finals, which will occur in Week 1 of Term 4. Their next debate will be against Holroyd High School.