The Prince Edward County High School (PECHS) Debate Team competed at the Virginia High School League (VHSL) State Championships on April 21-22 at Cosby High School. According to a PECHS press release, five students competed in Student Congress.

“In this area of debate, students simulate the actual proceedings of the U.S. Congress, posing as senators,” officials said in the release. “They write legislation in the form of resolutions and bills prior to the competition.”

The release cited each student writes an authorship speech for his or her legislation, along with affirmative and negative speeches regarding other bills and resolutions on the docket.

“They speak and debate, making motions and asking questions, until each bill or resolution is either passed or tabled. Points are awarded based on the quality of the speeches and other participatory factors,” officials said in the release.

“Twenty-nine senators competed in the 1A/2A/3A chamber. The top four received state medals.”

According to the release, PECHS took two of those medals. Grace Rust, an 11th-grade student, placed second and Joel Thomas, a 12th-grade student, placed fourth.

“The team placed fifth overall, out of all Group 1A, 2A and 3A schools in the state competition, which also included Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum and Policy debate. Debbie Rush is the coach of the team,” officials said in the release.