High Schoolers visit China for debate competition

Madeline Shinohara ’28, Eesha Nachnani ’28, Oren Schwartz ’29, and Allen Chen ’29 visited Chengdu, China to participate in the International Sister Cities Debate Tournament. During their visit, they explored the city, tried incredible local foods, attended the Opera, spent time at the Panda Sanctuary, and visited local schools.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

From Monday, November 17, to Monday, December 1, four High Schoolers got the chance to debate against students from across the globe in Chengdu, China. The trip was part of the International Sister Cities Debate Tournament, a competition that brings together high school debate teams from U.S. sister cities and China to compete in English. The event serves as a cultural exchange, allowing students to practice debate skills while also experiencing local culture and building international friendships.

Madeline Shinohara ’28, Eesha Nachnani ’28, Oren Schartz ’29, and Allen Chen ’29 represented USN well, with our girls team making it to the quarterfinals. After an initial loss in the preliminary round, they adapted their arguments, incorporated feedback, and demonstrated resilience and confidence on the international stage.

A big thank you goes to High School History Teacher Ayesha Nawaz and High School Math Teacher David Rudolph for accompanying the students on this special trip. 
As part of their trip to Chengdu, China, the High Schoolers each wrote a reflection about the trip, highlighting what it meant to go and detailing their individual experiences. Read each student’s reflections at the links below.





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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.