Our Team
CTPDL is student-run, with support from experienced adult debate educators and accomplished former high schol debaters.
Senior Advisor
Ann Walsh Henderson
Founder & Head Coach, Westfield Academy
Mrs. Henderson founded Westfield Academy 15 years ago with a small debate class in an elevator lobby. In its first year, Westfield students won the Connecticut State Middle School Debate Competition and took home the Top Speaker award. Under her leadership, Westfield has grown into a thriving debate community, with its teams earning numerous tournament championships, including multiple national and international victories, as well as many Model United Nations awards. She continues to teach and coach Westfield students and also serves on the Board of the Connecticut Middle School Debate League. An appellate attorney with more than 25 years of experience, she brings her legal background into the way she teaches argumentation, advocacy, and debate strategy.
Student Leadership
PRESIDENT
Marguerite Pennington
Hi! I’m Marguerite, a junior at Hopkins School and currently the Vice President of the Hopkins Debate Club. I started debating in seventh grade and have loved being part of the debate community ever since. Outside of debate, I enjoy playing volleyball and listening to music. I’m excited for another great year of debate and to help grow the parliamentary debate community in Connecticut!
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR
Student Name
Profile Coming Soon
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Amber Sun
Hi! My name is Amber and I am currently a junior and Vice President of the Hopkins Debate Club. I've been doing parliamentary debate for 3 years. I also enjoy art and running! One reason I love debate is because it lets me explore new perspectives and topics I otherwise wouldn't have thought of. I'm looking forward to contributing to the CTPDL and its social media!
EQUITY DIRECTOR
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OUTREACH DIRECTOR
Catherine Pennington
Hey! I'm Catherine and I am a freshman at Hopkins school. I've been doing parliamentary debate for 3 years now and have really enjoyed it. Outside of debate, I like playing volleyball and pickleball! I'm super excited to be a part of CTPDL.
RESOURCES DIRECTOR
Student Name
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