As in 2020, 2021 and 2022, Blake clinched the title at the 2023 state debate tournament. But unlike any other time in the school’s long and illustrious debate history, both teams competing in this year’s final round were from Blake.

Partners Elizabeth Terveen ʼ23 and Sofia Perri ʼ23 won their semifinal matchup against a team from Edina while Zellie Olson ʼ25 and Eva Redmond ʼ25 beat Wayzata to earn their spot in the championship round, marking the first time four women competed in the final round of the public forum state championship debate. Terveen, who won the state title last year with partner Skylar Wang ʼ22, and Perri prevailed as both teams demonstrated best practices and deep knowledge of the topic. 

This year, Blake debate has won the state championship at the novice, JV and varsity levels. Olson and Redmond are the first students to win both the JV state championship and the varsity state championship in the same year. The team now looks ahead to the national tournament this June.