VYPE recent had the chance to chat with McPherson Debate team member Vlad Peters.
VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?
My personal goals this year would definitely be to win debate state again. The first time was very gratifying and I’d like to imagine that the second time is pretty cool also. Another goal of mine for the year would be to place higher at nationals. My partner and I took 19th during the 2023 debate nationals and we’d like to be able to place even higher. We hope to achieve this goal by putting even more hours in and going to more national prep tournaments.
VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?
Some of the most fun I had this year would definitely be the nationals trip to Louisville Kentucky. When my partner and I weren’t extremely worn out from debating we had a bunch of fun times with teammates and former teammates who came back to judge the tournament. Some other fun I had in the last year was just hanging out with friends. One time that particularly stands out to me was celebrating winning the regionals tournament with two of my best friends, my debate partner Sam, and my forensics partner Zach.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?
This is a hard one to answer as I am biased to my own father, who I had as my own teacher. But if I had to pick someone who wasn’t my dad I would definitely say my sophomore Pre-AP English teacher Mr. Willis. He always had a way to connect with his students and made the material fun. He is also an amazing co-coach on the team.
VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?
My favorite memory on the team this year would definitely be winning debate state undefeated in the 4 Speaker team. All four of us put in as much work as we could humanly do, and we certainly performed like we hoped. The affirmative side, Lucy Bowman and Payton Hamilton, made an extraordinary case that would be impossible to top. On the negative side I have an amazing partner to work with, Sam Houston, who knows almost everything about debate, and is a great friend. When we won the coaches and us were ecstatic, so much so that our amazing coach Mr. Willis promised us a trip to Dave n Busters, a promise he will certainly fulfill one day. It was really amazing to see it all come to fruition and certainly was a highlight of my overall high school career.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
The teammate that left the biggest overall impression on me would definitely be Levi Cromwell. Coming in as a freshman it was great to have a senior who was such a good role model for the rest of the team. He was very good at debate and an extemporaneous speaking god, but more so he procured a respectful and accepting environment on the team and was a great captain. He also hooked me up with a sick job at the public library. Not just me but multiple other people on the team agree that he was a super cool “big brother” figure for the rest of us and has left a lasting impact on the team that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?
My favorite part of the team is being able to compete in debate and forensics, two activities that I am very passionate about. Aside from that we have an amazing culture procured by our three coaches, Head Coach Mr. Schopper, and the to Assistant Coaches Mr. Willis and Mr. Little. There are too many great people on the team for me to name. We also have amazing returning judges such as Logan Hardgrave and Levi Cromwell.
VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?
My dream vacation spot is a tough one. Although one does come to mind. I went to Florence Italy with my family a few years ago and I was amazed at the deep culture and history that the city has. I’ve already been with my family so other than them I’d probably take my best friends Jake Hassler, Zach Stein, and Sam Houston. If I could really take anyone I’d probably take Vermin Supreme, Shaquille O’Neal, and the guy who chugs absurd amounts of water on YouTube.
VYPE: If we gave you $500 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, what would you spend it on?
I’m super indecisive and don’t really like spending money, so this one is difficult for me. I’d probably use it as an excuse to finally buy that PS5 that I’ve been procrastinating on buying for way too long. It’s been super long since I’ve played any video games so I’d like to get back into it. I’d do that or invest into bitcoin and pray that the market skyrockets again.
VYPE: Do you participate in any community service projects?
A community service event that comes to mind would be helping out with the forensics team at the Madathon, an event for 5th and 8th graders where they sort of get to celebrate their graduations by doing a bunch of crazy events. Helping out with that was a lot of fun. I’m also working as a page for the library, so that allows me to get involved with the community regularly and meet and talk to a lot of regulars who come in.
VYPE: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?
Debate would probably be the club that I put the most work into. Forensics is a great activity for anyone that wants to do any type of public speaking, and it’s a team I’m really happy to be on. I’m also involved with jazz band and play guitar for that club. I also am involved with the theater program and it’s a great activity to fill out the rest of the schedule when I don’t feel busy enough.
