HR1481: HR1481 Cedartown High School Debate Team; winning the 2026 Parliamentary Debate World Competition; commend

26 LC 112 3733 House Resolution 1481 By: Representatives Kelley of the 16th, Smith of the 18th, Gambill of the 15th, and Neal of the 79th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending the Cedartown High School Debate Tea m for winning the1 2026 Parliamentary Debate World Competition; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Georgia House of Representatives is proud to recog nize exceptional3 students whose academic achievement, leadership, and dedication bring honor to their4 schools, communities, and the State of Georgia; and5 WHEREAS, Cedartown High School, located in Polk County within House District 16, has6 demonstrated a longstanding commitment to academic excellence and student leadership; and7 WHEREAS, the Cedartown High School Debate Team represented the United States of8 America in the 2026 Parliamentary Debate World Competition held in Kumagaya City,9 Saitama Prefecture, Japan, from February 6 through February 8, 2026; and10 WHEREAS, the competition included ten distinguished teams repre senting six countries:11 Japan, Hungary, Mongolia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States; and12 H. R. 1481 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3733 WHEREAS, competing against elite international teams, Armando Penaloza, Anna Vainrib,13 and Ande Kate Roper demonstrated exceptional research, analytical reasoning, persuasive14 advocacy, and teamwork; and15 WHEREAS, the Cedartown High School Debate Team achieved a perfect record of six wins16 and zero losses, advancing undefeated through all rounds of competition; and17 WHEREAS, on February 8, 2026, the team prevailed in the champio nship finals against18 Hungary to earn First Place Overall, bringing international dis tinction and honor to19 Cedartown High School, the Polk School District, Polk County, House District 16, and the20 entire State of Georgia; and21 WHEREAS, this historic accomplishment reflects not only individual excellence but also the22 strength of public education and community support within Polk County; and23 WHEREAS, this remarkable achievement was guided by the dedicate d mentorship and24 leadership of Mrs. Jennifer Cupp, advisor and coach, whose comm itment to academic25 excellence and student development was instrumental in securing this world championship;26 and27 WHEREAS, the encouragement, sacrifice, and unwavering support of the families of these28 students played a vital role in this achievement and deserve recognition and gratitude from29 this body.30 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that31 the members of this body commend and congratulate the Cedartown High School Debate32 Team—Armando Penaloza, Anna Vainrib, and Ande Kate Roper—and their advisor, Mrs.33 H. R. 1481 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3733 Jennifer Cupp, upon winning First Place Overall at the 2026 Par liamentary Debate World34 Competition.35 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body extend their gratitude to the36 families of these students in honor of their steadfast support, encouragement, and37 commitment to excellence, all of which contributed to this distinguished accomplishment.38 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized39 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to40 Cedartown High School, the Polk School District, the members of the team, their coach, and41 their families.42 H. R. 1481 - 3 -