At the 2025 Taiwan Speech and Debate Invitational, the largest debate tournament in Taiwan, Grade 6 students Lily Wang and Owen Ho from Fuhsing Private School became the center of attention.Despite being the youngest competitors in the middle school division, they advanced through multiple rounds with composure and skill, ultimately placing 5th out of 44 teams in Public Forum.Their performance proved one thing: age is never the ceiling for critical thinking.

Both Lily and Owen have studied at Ascent Academy for years.Lily joined as early as 2022, and her long-term training has shaped a mature sense of logic and a precise argumentative rhythm.Owen stands out with his passionate delivery, vivid speeches, and sharp cross-examinations.Together, they form a powerful team: Lily builds the strategic framework and controls the tactical flow, while Owen identifies opponent weaknesses and closes key rounds with impact.When they defeated a top team from Vietnam in the knockout stage, the applause wasn’t for “elementary school bravery” It was for the strength of seasoned debaters.

Rooted in Ascent’s training, these students evolved from beginners into independent case builders.They mastered round pacing, handled high-pressure schedules, and learned to simplify clash points—making the most critical comparisons visible to judges.

Grade level isn’t a barrier. Preparation is the passport.Even sixth graders can compete alongside middle schoolers and stand out.Every tournament becomes a stepping stone for growth.And even in tight matches or against tough opponents, learning to make the right decisions under pressure is the most valuable reward.