Dazzling Achievements
THISEnglish Debate Team added to its record of success in the past weekend by advancing into the U15 semifinals at the 2025 FLTRP CSSDC WSDC competition, a tournament that featured approximately 60 highly competitive teams from countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
The team's latest victory is shared by all participating student debaters, supportive parents and external volunteers, their coach Craig Healy and other faculty members at THIS, whose dedication and synergy has helped make these successes a possibility.
THIS has a proud debate history of being successful in major competitions.
Foundation of Community
"Forus, it has never been just about competitive success, though that has followed," said the debate teams' coach Craig Healy, who attributed the team's continuous success to the community shaped by all concernedmembers.
Coach Craig Healy: "It is about community. The success that so many of our students have achieved, both new and experienced, is the result of time, effort, care and commitment. It is the result of late hours, reflection, modifying practice formats and balancing schedules. From early on. I understood that the best way forward in growing in this program is to work together."
As Craig puts it, the team's legend is an example of community commitment.
The school's administration has been consistently supportive in every way possible, from facilitating practice space and being part of the planning to arranging access to school for parents and coaches.
Parents offer their personal time, often entire weekends, to come and support student debaters. They offer encouragement, guidance and help in communicating with students and among the parents regularly.
External volunteers generously give their own time to share their experience and craftsmanship, inspiring debaters to speak without fear and guiding them toward constant improvement.
SupportiveParentsAmongthe supportive parents of student debaters, Issac Zhou (7P)'s mom is a most committed volunteer.
Issac Zhou's mom: "My determination to support THIS English Debate Team began the moment I read about its past success on the school's WeChat official account. I am delighted that the school offers its full support with both internal and external resources aligned."
To facilitate communication, she immediately established a group chat for the debaters' parents. In doing so, she introduced parents to the fundamentals of debate, shared tournament information, assisted in forming teams, and gathered feedback for improvement. For on-site tournaments, she also coordinated the transport and arranged meals for the student debaters.
According to Coach Healy, she is so dedicated to serving the debate team that "she knows more details about the team and the kids" than hedoes.Sincethe beginning of this school year, more than fifty students have joined THIS English Debate Team. Many of them meet routinely on Thursday after school and practice late into the evening.
They support each other, working diligently to prepare for tournaments. Experienced debaters offer their insights and experience. New and younger debaters learn attentively and step up.
As a treat for the students' hard work,Issac'smom and Jerry Zhou (7L)'s mom take turns to bring the students pizza each Thursday evening.
Although the students do not join the team for pizza, the delicious food makes them feel gratified for their overtime practice.
In addition, students interested in debate often come to observe thetraiiningand mock debates.Manyn of these students find themselves participating just a couple of weeks later!
External Boost
Wang Tianyi, now studying at Tsinghua University, is a THIS alumnus and one of the two external volunteer assistant coaches of the English Debate Team. A veteran student debater himself, he recalled vividly that THIS Debate Team made his "amazing time" at the school "even more memorable." He was glad to see the team continuing to shape young minds.
Wang Tianyi: "In the team that builds lasting friendship, sharpens critical thinking and most importantly, teaches us the enduring value of patience and honesty. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey, being with the younger generation ofdebaters."
Chen Xiyuan (Ariana), who once studied at THUHS and now a junior student in Beijing Foreign Studies University, is the other volunteer. The two of them take turns coming to THIS on Thursday afternoons to provide professional coaching. In her opinion, such peer mentorship has helped to expand an ecosystem that stimulates the students' growth as speakers and critical thinkers.
Chen Xiyuan (Ariana): "The year of progressing together with the debate team members has been very fulfilling and happy. I enjoy watching the students grow from being young and inexperienced to methodical and confident–when facing complex topics. Their skills keep improving but their confidence and passion remain constant. The strong support from Craig and the parents makes every Thursday session exceptionally warm."
Coach Healy: Steadfast Anchor
In THIS community that extends far beyond the campus walls, Coach Healy's dedication forms the team's steadfast anchor.
It is Craig Healy's second year at THIS. Prior to this, he has been teaching for more than 20 years, including nine years' successful experience coaching English debate.
As an English Language Arts (ELA) teacher, Healy believes that academic discourse and debate are central to the development of critical thinking and communication skills necessary for 21st Century learners.
His effort is well recognized by others, who deem it is his expertise and selfless companionship that give the children the strongest backing.
Issac's mom: "I was particularly moved by Mr. Healy, who sacrifices his weekends and holidays to accompany students to training sessions and to matches. He provides thoughtful guidance during preparations and stands by quietly as a supportive presence during the matches."
Amiera Zhao (7P)'s mom also shared her appreciation. Witnessing her daughter's "passion, perseverance, and progress with greatest joy," she attributes her daughter's "every bit of confidence and growth shown on stage" to the Debate Team's solid training and continuous support.
Amiera Zhao's mom: "We are especially grateful to THIS for providing a platform where students can develop critical thinking, communication skills, and the courage to perform under pressure. We also thank Mr. Healy for his devoted after-school guidance. Through this support,Amieraand her teammates have grown remarkably. We are grateful for these opportunities and resources provided by the school, which let students explore their passions and continuously challenge themselves."
Hayden Chong (7P)'s dad: "As the semester draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on Hayden's experience with deep pride. I have watched him step out of his comfort zone, engaging with complex topics that extend far beyond the standard curriculum. The process has nurtured a more informed and critical worldview."
Growth Beyond Trophies
The outcomes are visible in awards, but the true victory is the profound personal growth witnessed by students themselves and their parents alike.
Ethan Zhou (9P): "As the team's co-captain, I've seen students who have never debated before find their footing and shine. Beyond skill, we've also built something even greater: a true community. This is not a team that we just debate together. More importantly, we lift up each other."
Dora Pan (9L) is another co-captain of the team. She believes the most vital part of the team is the vivacity the members share. "Our enthusiasm is more than energy—it drives our collective success. Even through challenges, that inner passion pushes us to grow," said Dora.
Dora Pan (9L): "In speech and debate, we build confidence in our abilities. This confidence sharpens skills like public speaking and critical thinking. Embracing challenges bravely, here and beyond, is how we grow."
Growth is the keyword for THIS community this school year. As Principal Renee Zhu said at the semester's opening ceremony:
Principal Renee Zhu: "Growth is a beautiful journey that would be filled with challenges and opportunities. Growth means everybody becomes a better one."
THIS English Debate team's story characterizes the growth that the THIS community values. It is also a compelling argument for holistic education; proving that when a school's platform, a coach's devotion and expert guidance, familial trust, volunteer contributions and above all, student passion align, the result is more than a winning record.
It is a resilient, self-sustaining community where every member, in the pursuit of eloquent arguments, finds their voice and forges a legacy that extends well beyond the final round.
After all, it is about community. Or perhaps more fittingly, THIS is about community.
