[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E162-E163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO THE CHESTERTON HIGH SCHOOL DEBATE TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2000

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute 
to the outstanding achievements of an exceptional group of students 
from Chesterton High School, located in Indiana's First Congressional 
District. On Saturday, February 5, 2000, the Chesterton High School 
Debate Team won its 11th state debate title.
  Chesterton entered four Policy debate teams, four Lincoln Douglas 
debaters and five Congressional debaters. All 17 debaters broke out of 
the preliminary rounds and competed in the elimination rounds. 
Additionally, Chesterton won all three championships--Policy, Lincoln 
Douglas, and Congress--for a complete sweep of the tournament. No 
school in the state had ever accomplished this feat. Joel Cavallo and 
Paul Babcock survived the field of 44 teams to win the State Policy 
Debate title. In Lincoln Douglas debate, Matt

[[Page E163]]

Gregoline was named the top debater in a field of 66. John Jernigan 
took the Congressional debate title, outlasting 86 competitors.
  In addition, I would like to recognize the other members of the State 
Debate Championship Team: Dave Blumenthal; Meredith Chase; Aaron Dartz; 
Eric Galamback; Katie Hurley; April Jenkins; Stephanie Kendall; 
Christian Nallenweg; Sherry Nelson; Dave Odefey; Mike Podguski; Owen 
Sutkowski; and Amber Zehner. The team's success is also due to the 
outstanding ability and leadership of its teachers and coaches. In 
particular, James Cavallo, Carol Biel and Kirsten Turnak should be 
commended for the devotion they have demonstrated as coaches. 
Additionally, Chesterton Principal Janice Bergeson and Dr. Kenneth 
Payne, Duneland Superintendent of Schools, should be recognized for 
their strong support of the debate program. The accomplishments of 
these outstanding individuals are a reflection of their hard work and 
dedication to scholarship. Their scholastic effort, determined 
preparation and rigorous approach to learning have made them the best 
in the state. They have also brought pride to themselves, their 
families, their school, and their community.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again extend my most heartfelt 
congratulations to the members of the Chesterton High School Debate 
Team for their commitment to excellence as well as to the faculty 
members who have instilled in their students the desire to succeed. I 
am proud to have been given this opportunity to recognize these future 
leaders, and I look forward to their future achievements as they 
continue to rise to the top!

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