The Needham Speech and Debate Team capped off a remarkably successful National Championship Tournament June 19 in Birmingham, Ala.

Senior captain Danny Blackman finished second in the nation in the Senate division of Congressional Debate, the best performance in Needham history. Junior Kaushik Vasudevan was in the top 25 of Lincoln-Douglas Debate, while sophomore Nate Lintz performed nicely.

Coach Paul Wexler said that “the best part of the tournament was a general feeling among our debates that the were performing top notch — Danny said his third speech in finals was the best of his career ... while we had done well at nationals before, his was a moment to be treasured.” Needham students had previously finished as high as third at the contest, in 2000.  

Wexler went on to praise the support of the Needham administration and community, along with the overall education in the Needham classrooms: “Coaching helps, but student work and the overall education from the beginning grades through high school are key to making a great debater. It takes support from the community to make that possible.” 

Wexler also remarked on the support of the other New England schools in attendance, who helped Blackman prepare for elimination rounds and gave Blackman an ovation at the district dinner following the awards ceremony.

The week-long tournament is the largest high school academic competition in the nation. Approximately 3,500 students attended the weeklong event, along with 2,000 adult chaperones and judges, from the 50 states, Guam, and South Korea.