Matea Ivanovic and Kendra Doty Named National Debate Scholars

CEDA Trophies, 2014. Photo by Sarah T. Partlow Lefevre.

At the opening ceremony for the Cross Examination Debate Association National Tournament, Kendra Doty and Matea Ivanovic were recognized for their academic achievements and ability to balance the demands of debate and school.  Matea was named a National Debate Scholar Cum Laude while Kendra was named a National Debate Scholar Magna Cum Laude.  To qualify for these awards, students must not only debate at several tournaments, they also must excel in the academic arena.  According the the CEDA organization, these awards are intended to honor "Students who maintain strong academic records in addition to their competitive accomplishments."  Three hundred and forty students are debating at this year's CEDA National Championship.  However, the academic awards are based on cumulative academic performance and do not require attendance at the tournament.  Overall, 1,802 students have competed at one or more CEDA/NDT tournaments this year.  Twenty three students were named Cum Laude Scholars and thirty one students were named Magna Cum Laude Scholars.  Congratulations Kendra and Matea!

Matea Ivanovic and the Cum Laude National Debate Scholars. Photo by Sarah T. Partlow Lefevre.

Kendra Doty and the Magna Cum Laude National Debate Scholars. Photo by Sarah T. Partlow Lefevre.

Kendra Doty, Roger Copenhaver, Matea Ivanovic, Lindsay Vanluvanee, and Sarah Partlow Lefevre at CEDA Nationals, 2014.  Photo by Paul Mabrey.