The Pleasant Hill Debate Team, comprised of 5th graders, earned 2nd place in the Annual Mid-Del Schools Debate Tournament on Saturday, February 7th. Sammy Wallace III, Carter Johns, and Tatum Burkhalter competed against 13 other elementary schools to achieve this accomplishment. Their debate topic was "Do fine arts and sports help increase student learning?" This super trio of students prepared for weeks with their staff advisor, Mr. Jesus Vasquez, during lunch and after school practices. They were charged with writing for and against statements and arguments for rebuttals. Tatum was the opener, Sammy was the closer, and all three gave arguments and rebuttals during the set of 3 rounds. These Rising Stars shone, maintaining composed demeanor and articulate speech to convey their fine writing and on-the-spot thinking. Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!
Pleasant Hill Debate Team Takes 2nd Place
February 7, 2026