"If you see them in the hallways or in your classrooms,” wrote debate coach Mike Vergin in an email to all faculty and staff, “please congratulate Bert Hilke and Warsame Galaydh on winning the 2006 Minnesota State High School League's Classic Debate State Festival this weekend."

Yes, Mr. Vergin, we will - Kudos to Warsame and Bert!

And congratulations to the entire debate program for consistently performing beyond the means of our (relatively) small school. Warsame and Bert defeated teams from Stillwater and Eastview in the quarterfinals and semifinals before beating another Eastview team on a 2-1 decision in the finals. Wow!

"Classic" Debate is one of three debate formats that has a state championship sponsored by the MSHSL.  Almost 200 students from 18 schools participated at this past weekend's tournament at South St. Paul HS in the novice, junior varsity, and varsity divisions.  MPA has twice been the runner-up at this tournament, but this is the school's first championship.

Success in the high pressure arena of competitive debate is clear evidence that our students breathe life into the words of our mission.“We teach students to think independently, communicate effectively…in a diverse community that models intellectual ambition….”

Or as co-champ Bert Hilke puts it, “debate teaches many important skills. It helps one to speak with clarity and poise, to show confidence and resolve in one¹s words and stature, and to accuse one¹s opponents of lies and deceit without being unnecessarily harsh (to tear people¹s arguments apart with a smile.)” All in the spirit, of course!

For any of you would-be debaters out there who care to take these guys on, their first debate resolution was on whether or not to withdraw all US troops from Iraq by the end of 2007, and the topic for the finals was "resolved: Wal-Mart is good for America."

State Classic Debate Champs Bert Hilke (left) and Warsame Galaydh in debate attire.

"It feels amazing to be state champs," reports Warsame. "Our hard work really paid off and we ended the season with a blast."

And what were the keys to their success?

According to Warsame, "I would say the single most important factor in our success was thinking through all of the arguments for a couple of hours each day." As far as Bert is concerned, "probably the dedication and support of my partner, Warsame. He¹s the heart and soul of our team, and gave me the motivation to keep working hard."

Another critical key is the quality of the overall progam in debate at MPA, led by head coach and Upper School history teacher Mike Vergin. Mike is ably assisted in coaching duties by two former students of his, history teacher Katie Murr and MPA alum Brian Payne.

Mike coached Katie Murr when she was a student at Eagan High School through 1997 and Brian at MPA until he graduated in 2000. "We¹re consistent in our belief that debate was the single most valuable educational activity in our high school careers," says Mike. "The lessons competitive debate can teach about research, argumentation, communication and advocacy are things we still use every day of our lives."

Lessons Warsame and Bert have taken to heart. Go Panthers!

...and for breaking news on the accomplishments of several other MPA upper school students, click here.