The Wayland High School varsity debate team Wednesday brought home the first place trophy after competing in its final Grand Rapids Metro Debate League contest Wednesday.

The GR Metro League consists of more than 100 students from 12 area schools, including Grand Rapids Catholic Central, City High, Forest Hills Central, Grand Rapids Innovation Central, Grandville, Kenowa Hills, Muskegon Mona Shores, Northview, Rockford, Wayland, West Ottawa and Wyoming.

The students compete every Wednesday for five weeks with an awards ceremony on the final evening after the 10th debate round.

The league’s host is Grand Rapids Innovation Central High School, with two divisions Novice (first-year competitors) and Open (JV/Varsity). All students debated this year’s topic, which was increasing economic and diplomatic engagement with China.

Students can qualify in individual speaker awards by competing in eight rounds of debate: WHS novice debate had two students place: Samantha Rahmn (top 20) and Andrea Ivers (top 25).  WHS varsity debate had several students place: Ray Rodriguez (top 25) and Makaila Huffman (top 20), Jon Seymour (top 15) and Lexie Walters (top 12), helping to bring home the championship trophy.

Coach Andrea Brown said she is thrilled with both the novice and varsity teams.

The Wayland teams will continue the competitive season with an upcoming tournament at Holt High School, and will be host for a tournament Jan. 14 and state competition in February.

PHOTO: Whooping it up with the Metro League championship trophy are Wayland High School varsity debate team members (from left) senior Jon Seymour, sophomore Kyhlea Wells, senior Ray Rodriguez (12), Captain and senior Lexie Walters, Captain and junior Makaila Huffman and Coach Andrea Brown. (Photo courtesy of Laurie Zywiczynski)