SR938: SR938 Cedartown High School Debate Team; recognize

26 LC 112 3860 Senate Resolution 938 By: Senators Anavitarte of the 31st, Bearden of the 30th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Anderson of the 24th, Burns of the 23rd and others 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 State Senate takes great pride in recognizing outstanding students3 whose academic achievement, leadership, and dedication bring ho nor to their schools,4 communities, and the State of Georgia; and5 WHEREAS, Cedartown High School, located in Polk County within the 31st Senate District,6 has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to academic excellence and student leadership;7 and8 WHEREAS, the Cedartown High School Debate Team represented the United States of9 America in the 2026 Parliamentary Debate World Competition held in Kumagaya City,10 Saitama Prefecture, Japan, from February 6 through February 8, 2026; and11 WHEREAS, the competition included ten distinguished teams repre senting six countries:12 Japan, Hungary, Mongolia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States; and13 S. R. 938 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3860 WHEREAS, competing against elite international teams, Armando Penaloza, Anna Vainrib,14 and Ande Kate Roper demonstrated exceptional research, analytical reasoning, persuasive15 advocacy, and teamwork; and16 WHEREAS, the Cedartown High School Debate Team achieved a perfect record of six wins17 and zero losses, advancing undefeated through all rounds of competition; and18 WHEREAS, on February 8, 2026, the team prevailed in the champio nship finals against19 Hungary to earn First Place Overall, bringing international dis tinction and honor to20 Cedartown High School, the Polk School District, Polk County, the 31st Senate District, and21 the entire State of Georgia; and22 WHEREAS, this historic accomplishment reflects not only individual excellence but also the23 strength of public education and community support within Polk County; and24 WHEREAS, this remarkable achievement was guided by the dedicate d mentorship and25 leadership of Mrs. Jennifer Cupp, advisor and coach, whose comm itment to academic26 excellence and student development was instrumental in securing this world championship;27 and28 WHEREAS, the encouragement, sacrifice, and unwavering support of the families of these29 students played a vital role in this achievement and deserve recognition and gratitude from30 this body.31 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body32 commend and congratulate the Cedartown High School Debate Team—Armando Penaloza,33 S. R. 938 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3860 Anna Vainrib, and Ande Kate Roper—and their advisor, Mrs. Jennifer Cupp, upon winning34 First Place Overall at the 2026 Parliamentary Debate World 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 Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed39 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for dis tribution to Cedartown High40 School, the Polk School District, the members of the team, their coach, and their families.41 S. R. 938 - 3 -