Pine-Richland High School Team Advances in International Debate Competition

A team of Pine-Richland High School GATE students has advanced to the Top 64 round of the 24th annual International Public Policy Forum  (IPPF) debate competition. Sponsored by New York University and the Brewer Foundation, this international competition affords high school students an opportunity to engage in written and oral debate on public policy issues. 

Seniors Ian Hurt and Mackenzie Mercuri and juniors Sanika Das and Brooke Deegan were selected following submission of a 3,000-word essay on the topic Resolved: Equitable access to pharmaceuticals should be prioritized over protecting intellectual property rights.

Their essay was one of 64 selected out of 283 submissions to advance them to the Top 64 round. The Top 64 teams represent schools in 19 states and 10 countries.

“This group has shown incredible teamwork and growth throughout their process, and we are incredibly proud of them,” said Mr. Len Caric, GATE teacher. “Making the top 64 alone is a fantastic achievement!”

The Top 64 round begins immediately with teams volleying essays back and forth over email to be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select 32 winning teams for the next round. This written elimination round tests research, writing and advocacy skills. This process continues until the final eight teams are named. 

Those in the Elite 8 will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to the IPPF Finals in New York City in May 2025 where teams will compete in oral debates in front of a panel of judges that include professionals in law, business, politics, debate and academia. 

The IPPF Champion will be awarded a $10,000 grand prize and the Brewer Cup.