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.
As part of a longstanding tradition, retired teachers and professionals from USN over the years came together to celebrate, connect, and reminisce during their annual luncheon in Durnan Auditorium.
It is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
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.