The Carrollton High School Speech and Debate team recently traveled to Taiwan for an international debate tournament, where months of preparation and hard work led to an unforgettable experience. Competing on a global stage, students not only showcased their skills in a highly competitive setting but also immersed themselves in a different culture.

While the tournament was the centerpiece of the trip, it offered more than just competition. The students had the opportunity to connect with peers from around the world and broaden their perspectives both academically and personally. 

“This trip wasn’t just about winning,” said Richard Bracknell, CHS debate coach. “It was about growing as individuals, learning from the experience, and representing CHS as ambassadors on the international stage.” 

As for the competition, Audrey Browning and Luke Zimmer brought home top honors from the tournament, while Allen “Tee” Hawkins and James Houser reached the quarterfinals. In addition to debate, Eli Jarrett delivered a strong performance in the Informative Speaking category. The team’s success in Taiwan marks yet another achievement in their already impressive record.

Audrey reflected on her experience and said attending the inaugural Taiwan Speech & Debate Invitational was an honor. 

“After a twenty-six-hour travel day, we arrived in Taipei City and caught up on some sleep before spending the following day sightseeing,” she said. “The team got to experience Taipei 101, the tallest building in Taiwan. We explored the Shilin Night Market and saw the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial — a leader most of us are currently learning about in International Baccalaureate History. On Friday, the tournament began, and preliminary rounds continued until Saturday. We celebrated the team’s victory on Monday by eating hot pot and going to the jade market.”

The trip was made possible in part by the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation, which supports a wide range of field trips and enrichment activities for students across the district. Through its commitment to expanding learning beyond the classroom, the foundation has provided nearly $200,000 in funding, benefiting more than 1,800 students. The Taiwan trip was one of many supported by the foundation, helping CHS students compete internationally while growing personally and academically.

As part of its ongoing mission, the foundation also supports the Bracknell Debate Scholarship Fund, established by community supporters who wanted to support opportunities like this for debaters at CHS. 

CHS Principal Ian Lyle said he is proud of the students for showcasing the school’s excellence to a global audience. 

“The opportunity to travel to Taiwan and compete at such a high level helped these students grow personally and develop valuable skills.” said Lyle. “We are thankful they were able to have this opportunity, and that they demonstrated the gold standard of excellence throughout the trip.”

CUTLINE: The Carrollton High School  Speech and Debate team recently traveled to Taiwan for an international debate tournament. Pictured from left are Allen “Tee” Hawkins, CHS debate coach Richard Bracknell, James Houser, Luke Zimmer, Eli Jarrett, Audrey Browning, and CHS teacher Allison Hibbard.