FTN - Judge Philosophies

Judge Philosophies

Alex Night - NOF

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Alice Tu - LiangyiLeaders

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Alix Lopez - Mt. SAC

Debates should be accessible and educational. For me, that means

clear labels for your arguments, compelling and credible evidence/examples, and language that's easy to follow.
no spreading. I have an incredibly hard time following speed, and I want to make sure I am judging you on your argumentation and public speaking. Which can only happen if I can follow you!
you are courteous to your opponent.
you make it clear why I should vote for you.

Excited to see you all debate!

Amit Dhuria - GSA

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Chethan Hublikar - GSA

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Colter Heirigs - NOF

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Danny Cantrell - Mt. SAC

I view debate as, first and foremost, an educational activity designed to help students develop their argumentation, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Debate offers a unique environment for learning through structured advocacy, listening, and respectful engagement with opposing ideas. While competitive success can motivate excellence, I believe the primary value of debate lies in its ability to foster intellectual growth, civic engagement, and effective and appropriate communication. I reward debaters who demonstrate clear organization, sound reasoning, effective persuasion, and professionalism in delivery. Decorum, clarity, and responsiveness are essential elements of successful debating.
In alignment with recent PSCFA initiatives, I support efforts to return debate to a more educational and accessible format. While I am open to all forms of arguments, I do not reward excessive speed, generic arguments detached from the specific wording of the topic, or behavior that undermines the collegial spirit of academic competition. Debaters should aim to engage the resolution directly, present well-developed and topic-specific arguments, and maintain courtesy throughout the round. My ballot will favor teams that make debate accessible, enjoyable, comprehensible, and instructive for both participants and observers. Ultimately, I strive to make decisions that uphold debate as a space for learning, growth, and mutual respect.

Deepti Kapoor - GSA

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Harpreet Kaur - GSA

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Israel Beltran - Wilshire

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Jaggard Williams - Simpson

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Jay Villanueva - NOF

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Jocelyn Yeh - GSA

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Julia Cheng - LiangyiLeaders

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Kaitlyn Horng - LiangyiLeaders

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Kaori Dadgostar-Shimazaki - Velasquez Academy

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Kapil Mehrotra - GSA

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Kasi Krishnan - GSA

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Kiran Kumar Jasti - GSA

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Liang Guo - Velasquez Academy

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Lisa Podos - GSA

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Marisa Mayo - Simpson

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Michael Starzynski - NOF

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Nathalie Estiverne - NOF

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Rajyalakshmi Mannem - GSA

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Ronnie Cheng - LiangyiLeaders

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Sara Moghadam - NOF

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Shaindi Schwebel - Archer

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Sivaraj Shanmugham - GSA

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Thuy Pham - Mt. SAC