Although both, two-person teams were in the novice division (as it was their first year in the competition), Wallace and Paul were awarded first place, while Mahidashti and Rose took home second place.
Students were also awarded prizes for outstanding individual performances.
“What attracted me to this coaching opportunity was the chance to introduce these amazing young minds immersion to critical thinking, active listening and respectful disagreement,” coach Theresa McLaughlin said. “Debate skills are life skills. Witnessing their growth is every coach’s dream.”
Despite being part of the team to take home the school’s first debate trophy in over 63 years, Wallace has also received recognition from the Archdiocese of Boston.
A few days after his debate win, Wallace was recognized to receive the Archdiocese of Boston’s Cardinal’s Youth Award.
The award is presented to a youth who professes their faith in their everyday lives, a release said.
“The recipients are dedicated to their parishes and/or schools, are role models for their peers, and have made a strong contribution to Christian service. Ryan is one of nine young people to be recognized with this award this year. A ceremony will take place later in the spring to celebrate this special distinction,” the release said.
Wallace has participated in two summer mission trips with the Campus Ministry group at AWHS, where he traveled to rural areas in Pennsylvania and West Virginia for a weeklong mission of providing service to needy families.
“Ryan has a strong, yet gentle presence about him,” said Carol O’Brien, Campus Ministry Coordinator at Archbishop Williams. “He sees the beauty and dignity in those that he interacts with, a quality that is deserving of praise with this special award.”
In addition to Wallace’s role on the debate team, he is also an active student on the Math Team and Student Council and is an accomplished gymnast.
Furthermore, this summer Ryan will be attending Harvard’s Secondary Summer School Program, where he will take a two-session college courses about Principles of Economics, earning himself 8 undergraduate credits from Harvard University.
“We all have talents. We all have gifts. Ryan has more gifts than most; and he gives his gifts away!,” Archbishop President Dr. Carmen Mariano said. “This young man is an inspiration. He is a champion. He is a star. I am very proud to have him shining in the sky of Archbishop Williams High School.”