Branksome Hall has produced generations of trailblazing leaders, with many alums developing their skills in the school’s Debate and Public Speaking Society. What began in 1965 as a small club founded by Meredith CLARK Tone’67, and fostered by the dedication of visionary coaches Aija Zommers and Nora McRae, has evolved into an impressive program with more than 80 students and numerous awards. Now, celebrating its 60th anniversary, the program continues to thrive, equipping young women with the confidence, eloquence and ability to challenge the world around them in their lives post-Branksome.
Natalia PAYNE’99 never planned to join the Society—it found her. Encouraged by drama teacher Judith FRIEND’75 and history teacher and debate coach Aija Zommers, she entered the Nora McRae Public Speaking Tournament and won first place in the Junior Division. From that moment, she was hooked. Debate taught her how to remain composed under pressure, argue with conviction and listen with an open mind—skills she now applies as an actor. “When I’m playing a role, I’m arguing my character’s position—seeing the world through their eyes and fighting in their corner,” she reflects.
When Anna Lisa LOWENSTEIN’17 joined the Society in Grade 7, she had no idea it would shape her future. Her first debate was daunting—she even cried—but she persevered, learning to trust herself despite her nerves. That resilience took her from her role as 2016–17 Head Prefect to becoming a political staffer in the federal government. “Debate teaches you that you deserve a platform, that people should listen when you speak,” she says. “It did wonders for my self-worth growing up.”
In a program known for go-getters, it’s no surprise that Sonia MAHAJAN’15 emailed the coaches for an entire year to secure her spot. Despite her eagerness, debate and public speaking didn’t come easy to her—she spent countless hours rehearsing and perfecting her craft. But that dedication and perseverance became important skills, paying off in her everyday life and future career as principal designer of her own business in New York City, Teak & Crane.
“Debate helps you build confidence in yourself, find your voice and defend your ideas. These are attributes that young women need in their careers and life.”
Tracy DALGLISH’81, a beloved Branksome history teacher and debate coach, has a long history with the Society. She found her love of debate after joining and winning a competition in her first year. Now, Tracy’s greatest thrill is seeing Branksome students fulfil their dreams and become accomplished young women. “Debate helps you build confidence in yourself, find your voice and defend your ideas,” she says. “These are attributes that young women need in their careers and life.”
Recent graduate Anna GAGE’24 has a deep fondness for the Society, which coach Grace Nolan introduced her to in Grade 10. A natural public speaker, Anna became the overall champion of the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships in 2024, making her the second Branksome student to achieve the top honour. Now studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholar, Anna credits her love of learning in new environments to the lessons she learned as a Branksome debater.
From humble beginnings where students met and prepared their cases in the Senior School library to a Branksome powerhouse that now meets in the AWC Dining Hall, the Debate and Public Speaking Society is not slowing down. In fall 2024, Branksome was named Top Canadian School at the International Independent Schools’ Public Speaking Competition, and in spring 2025, Grade 12 student Helen Ziomecki won Worlds in Kuala Lumpur. Branksome also spreads its belief in the power of debate and public speaking through global initiatives such as its partnership with the Get Ahead Project School in South Africa and Re:Solved worldwide online debate and public speaking competition, led by coach Nolan and generously supported by Anne GREGOR’66.
As Karrie Weinstock, who has been involved with the program for more than 40 years, notes, “Branksome’s deep commitment to debate and public speaking is made possible by outstanding coaches who inspire and support our students to research meticulously, think critically and excel in the clash of ideas and power of words.
Not for the faint-hearted, debate and public speaking teaches courage, collaboration and leadership—a Branksome tradition we proudly continue.”
Photo: (top) Debate Coach Grace Nolan with Annie DENG’24 at a Branksome Clubs Fair.
