At Samford University's Bishop Guild Debates, Ophelia Cherry-Pulay '25 earned third place speaker. The debaters who attended the competition were the first debate team members to travel for competition in nearly three years. Continue reading for a full recap.
By Bill Wilson, Debate Coach
The debate team took its first bus trip in almost three years on Friday, January 13 en route to Birmingham, Alabama where University School of Nashville students competed against top programs from across the Southeast in Samford University's Bishop Guild Debates.
In the varsity division, Ophelia Cherry-Pulay '25 and Ellie Rothman '25 finished with a 3-3 record including a win over Pace Academy of Georgia, and two wins over Montgomery Bell Academy. The pair had a close first round against the eventual champions from Decatur High School in Georgia as well. Ophelia was recognized as the third overall speaker in open competition. Meanwhile, Alexander Clinton '24 and Eleanor Molvig '25 finished 1-5 with a win over the Carrollton Sacred Heart School of Florida.
In the novice division, Claire Gilliam '24 and Alondra Martinez Ordaz '26 finished with a 3-3 record. Claire won the ninth place speaker award among first year participants.
High School debate team members Alexander Clinton '24, Pera McMillian '26, Claire Gilliam '24, Ellie Rothman '25, Eleanor Molvig '25, Ophelia Cherry-Pulay '25, and Alondra Martinez Ordaz '26.
The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.
USN Mission: University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.