ADRIAN — Students from the Adrian, Blissfield, Hudson, and Madison school districts wrapped up the Lenawee County debate season with their final tournament in December. The event celebrated months of hard work, practice, and teamwork.

In the novice division, Blissfield’s team of Beckett Klump and Carley Watson earned first place after a well-fought debate against Hudson’s Yamilex Sereno and Cooper Pawson.

In the varsity division, Hudson’s team of Kayli Butler and Annabelle Czeiszperger took the top spot after a strong performance against Blissfield’s Grahm Jeffrey and Hope Miller.

Several students were also recognized with top speaker awards for their outstanding performances in the tournament. Varsity top speakers were Adriannah Cooper, Eddy Hedrick, and Riley Kirkpatrick (Adrian), along with Anna Hiatt, Emma Gunter, and Hope Miller (Blissfield). Novice top speakers were Alex Faraponov, Amelie Haubner, Beckett Klump, Carley Watson, and Philip Buechele (all of Blissfield).

This year’s debate season was once again led by Justin Pooley of Blissfield Community Schools.

The program also is supported by Adrian First Church of the Nazarene, which provides a location for competitions, and by a host of volunteer judges whose ranks include former debaters, retired teachers, and longtime coaches.