The Public Forum debating duo of sophomore Adnan Askari and junior Sarah Wheaton were crowned state champions at the Jan. 15-16 Public Forum State Tournament.

“This was definitely the most competitive tournament of the season, and every team in Minnesota was very prepared,” Askari said. “I’m so proud of SPA and how far we’ve come as a team.”

Joining Askari and Wheaton in the spotlight at the Minnesota State Debate Tournament were juniors Raffi Toghramadjian and Shefali Bijwadia, who reached quarterfinals in Public Forum, and Senior Nadia Goldman and her partner from Perpich Center for Arts Education, who made it to semifinals in Team Policy debate. Also competing in the tournament was Lincoln Douglas debater Senior Maya Smith.

“I really appreciate the camaraderie we have developed, along with the success we had,” Wheaton said.

A complete set of results and resolutions can be found at the Minnesota State High School League website.