Potomac Debate Academy Students Excel At Harvard Forensics Tournament

ROCKVILLE, MD — Nearly 100 students from Rockville's Potomac Debate Academy traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts last month to compete in the 49th Annual Harvard National Forensics Tournament hosted by Harvard University.

From Feb. 18 to Feb. 20, more than 5,000 students from 422 schools/educational organizations from across the country took part in the event, which included over 3,000 entries.

Students from Potomac Debate Academy beat out 118 teams to claim the Middle School PF Championship. The academy's varsity students competed against 315 teams and placed in the top 4.

“I am so unbelievably proud of our students, and what they have been able to accomplish," said Potomac Debate Academy Director Katie Humphries, in a release. "Yet, I am not surprised. This is our third year championing this invitational – either in middle school or high school – in the past few years, and it won’t be our last. Our students are driven, bright, and a constant inspiration to our coaching team. I look forward to seeing our students’ growth, both in and outside of our program.

Clarksville Middle School eighth graders Roselyn Bi and Tiffany Tang were part of the academy's championship team.

Meeting talented debaters in-person was the most memorable part of the tournament for Bi.

"As far as how the tourney went: it felt like a rollercoaster experience — lots of twists and turns," she said. "We grew more confident in later rounds. It was not until Quarters that we realized we could actually win this tournament. Not only did Tiffany and I work super hard inside and outside rounds, but we got tremendous help from our coaches. A tip for success: find every opportunity to seek guidance and help. In the end, hard work does pay off."

Tang described competing at Harvard as an "amazing personal experience."

"Six months ago, I would have never imagined standing right there, inside the Science Center."

Ruth Dai, a 12th-grader from Thomas S. Wootton High School, said she had been looking forward to the trip to Harvard for months.

"The last in-person tournament I had experienced pre-COVID was Harvard — and I had great memories from the event," she said. "So, this time, considering the tournament's size and popularity, I was honestly just elated that I had the opportunity to experience it one more time my senior year."

During the competition, Dai advanced the the semi-finals, placing fifth out of 620 competitors.

"The award felt reflective of my work — and I was proud of the acknowledgment," she said.

Dai credited her experience in debate as the reason why she wants to be an advocate for others.

"Debate altered every part of my life and I am forever thankful for it," she said. "I was able to develop independent research, presentation, and speaking skills. Alongside that, I just developed a more holistic global perspective that I feel has made me a better person as I am not more aware of global events that might not directly affect me, but do alter the livelihoods of millions others daily. Debate is the reason why I am an advocate. After all, it trained me to become one in all the right ways."