Salem City Council unanimously approved Resolution 1479 at its Monday night meeting to officially honor the first Virginia High School League Debate State Championship team in Salem High School history. The Spartans and Head Coach Mark Ingerson won the title in April at James Madison University, beating second place Rock Ridge, 21-13. Salem was led by the State Championship Policy Debate team of junior Claire Rawlins and senior Kaylee Christley who went undefeated in five debates.

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, August 12, 2024: RESOLUTION 1479

RESOLUTION HONORING SALEM HIGH SCHOOL 2024 DEBATE STATE CHAMPIONS

WHEREAS, with a great deal of pride and enthusiasm the City of Salem champions the development of its young people by providing an array of opportunities in both the academic and competition arenas; and

WHEREAS, throughout the years, our youth have excelled in both areas, bringing numerous accolades to the city and school division through a variety of extracurricular activities; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Mark Ingerson successfully expanded the school’s Forensics Dynasty into the arena of Debate and captured the school’s first State Debate Title on April 27, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the team’s 21-13 victory over Rock Ridge High School during Class 4 competition at James Madison University was fueled by junior Claire Rawlins and senior Kaylee Christley; and

WHEREAS, the powerful duo of went undefeated and captured the Policy Debate title during five rounds of the near 90 minute competition; and

WHEREAS, Rawlins and Christley compiled a record of 10 wins and only 1 loss in VHSL competition while winning the Region, Super Region, and State championships; and

WHEREAS, Rawlins is now the first student in Salem history to win both a Forensics event title and a Debate event title in the same academic year; and

WHEREAS, seniors Lebron Parsell and Hannah Gordon placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in Lincoln-Douglas debate; and

WHEREAS, junior Rebekah Steinweg contributed to the win with a 3rd place finish in Congressional Debate, and

WHEREAS, sophomore Luke Stovall and senior Lance Toapanta placed 3rd in Policy Debate; and

WHEREAS, junior Charlie Bain and freshman Dylan Hancock also competed in Congress Debate at the state championships in Harrisonburg; and

WHEREAS, Alex Wong served as the Debate Team’s Assistant Coach helping the students throughout the year with speaking, argumentation, and writing skills; and

WHEREAS, junior Kaelyn Henzey provided support to the team throughout the season in her role as team manager; and

WHEREAS, the Salem High School Debate Team has brought recognition, honor, and pride to Salem High School and the City of Salem; and

WHEREAS, the City of Salem hereby expresses congratulations and appreciation to Mark Ingerson and the members of the Salem High School Debate Team for their accomplishments; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, that Council joins with the citizens of the City of Salem in saluting the great achievements of the Salem High School Debate Team in winning the 2024 STATE DEBATE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the coaches and each team member and that a copy be placed on display at Salem High School.