When one thinks about the debate team at Sion, is it inevitable that senior Julia Balmaceda will be the first person to come to mind. Balmaceda began her debate career freshman year and has gone on to lead the group to many successful victories citywide. She is president of the debate team and a major player on varsity.

“I’ve enjoyed it so much, and it has become a major part of my life,” Balmaceda said. “It’s no different than someone committing to a sport.”

Though she recalls her freshman year as a learning experience on the team, this year has proved wildly successful for her and her teammates, who she says naturally progressed with experience. She says the team often places at parliamentary tournaments, including top speakers and teams at league championships.  And she has had four bids accepted to the National Catholic Forensics League Nationals for various events.

Balmaceda says her favorite moment from debate this year occurred when Sion dominated at the last regular season parliamentary debate tournament at St. Teresa’s Academy. There, every single varsity team went 2-0, sweeping the top five places.

“I was so proud of the entire team,” Balmaceda said. “The Sion teams were the only ones that went 2-0 at that meet.”

Mid April will mark the end of Balmaceda’s high school debate career when she competes for Leagues in Harrisonville. But Balmaceda won’t stop there, for she plans on continuing her debate and forensics career next year as she attends the University of Kansas.

“I’m excited to start competing at the collegiate level, although I’ll be back at the bottom of the food chain as a novice,” Balmaceda said. “I’ll miss Sion debate so much, and I’ll definitely be back to time keep and check up on the next president.”