The Hockaday School advanced to the next round of the 2022- 23 International Public Policy Forum debate competition.
The International Public Policy Forum competition annually involves hundreds of high school teams and thousands of student debaters from around the world. The competition is sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and New York University. IPP. F is the first and only competition that gives students globally the opportunity to participate in written and oral debates on issues of public policy.
The 22nd competition began in October 2022 with 20 teams, representing schools in 22 countries and 31 U.S. states, submitted essays affirming or negating the topic, “Resolved: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an effective model for international cooperation“.
In November, the top 64 teams competed in single-elimination, written debates. In the “Round of 64”, The Hockaday School advanced over Aberdeen Central High School from Aberdeen, South Dakota. The Hockaday School went on to advance over Miramonte High School from Orinda, California in the “Top 32″ round.
By advancing to the “Sweet 16” round, students from The Hockaday School will remain eligible to win an all-expenses- paid trip to the IPPF Finals in New York City, where the World Champion will be awarded a $10,000 grand prize. The Hockaday School is the only school in Texas to advance to the “Sweet 16” round.
“The teams advancing demonstrate excellence at research, writing, and advocacy,” says William A. Brewer III, partner at Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors and a founder of the IPPF. “The 16 teams remaining will compete in a final round of written debates — in hopes of moving on to oral debates during the IPPF Finals in New York City.”
In the “Sweet 16” round, The Hockaday School will face Oxbridge Academy from West Palm Beach, Florida. The top 16 teams represent schools from 11 U.S. states, Singapore, and China.
The “Elite 8” teams will be announced on March 30th. If The Hockaday School advances, the team will win a trip to New York City to compete in the finals on May 6, 2023, at the Harold Pratt House. Judges will include Brewer and New York University President Emeritus John Sexton, among others. The winning team will take home the “Brewer Cup” and the $10,000 grand prize.
