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TOC CHAMPIONS: 1st Place Winner of International Public Forum

DEBATE TOPIC: Election Reform

SOURCE: Taipei American School News, May 2 2017

Congratulations to Brandon Chen. ’18 and Kelly Phil. ’20 on winning the international bracket at this year’s National Tournament of Champions for Debate (TOC) – 1st Place Winner!

Now in its 46th year, the TOC is one of the oldest and most prestigious debate tournaments in the United States, and serves as one of the activity’s national championship tournaments. It is a forum for Lincoln Douglas, Policy, Public Forum, Congressional debaters and Individual Events competitors.

The event took place at the University of Kentucky from April 29 to May 1. Brandon and Kelly qualified to compete at the tournament by earning “bid” legs based on their performance during the regular debate season.

In addition to winning the international bracket, Kelly was also the 2nd place international speaker at the tournament.

Congratulations to both students!

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2017 TOC Acknowledgements:

It really takes a village to raise up successful kids. Brandon and Kelly couldn’t have won without the help of numerous amazing coaches. We would like to recognize and thank them individually.

Julian Gagnon (ADL) has practically raised Kelly and Brandon and taught them the longest since 2012.

Mike Girouard (ADL) has taught them since 2015, and he was particularly instrumental in students’ win in 2016 TOC.

Stefan Bauschard (Millennial) has recently emerged as a fresh breath of air and a guiding star to Kelly and Brandon.

Dr. Nick Coburn-Palo (TAS) has spearheaded the TAS International Public Forum Debate Team and has been coaching Kelly and Brandon at the school.

Dr. Adam Nelson (TAS) has long time been the head of TAS Forensics Department and a Chair of NSDA Taiwan until this year. He has guided the students in the debate topic early on.

Anthony Berryhill is Nick Coburn’s Yale Student who has later graduated from Stanford and came to TOC to coach Kelly and Brandon on the site.

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