There’s no debating it; Sophomore Sophia Caldera’s speech and debate career has only just begun. Caldera recently placed second in the national championship in Philadelphia, which lasted from May 24 to the 26.

Caldera has placed well at national tournaments throughout the year, but never done this well at a championship, said club’s teacher sponsor Colin O’Brien.

“She works very hard, and it reflects well on the rest of the team,” O’Brien said.

Caldera’s topic was whether just societies should deliberately initiate war. The debate was a Lincoln Douglas style debate, meaning it was one versus one. Caldera qualified for the championship by finishing in the top six at local finals, which were held at Dominion High School in Sterling, VA.

Caldera has never made it past the top 32 in a championship, so making it to the finals was a great moment for her.

“It was really exciting and a little unreal to make it all the way to the final round,” Caldera said. “I love debating, and this tournament was a great way to finish off the year.”