Kevin Mariano, a social studies teacher at Plainfield High School and coach of its debate team, has announced a brand new event: the Plainfield Regional Debate Tournament to be held on Dec. 8.

Eight teams of four students from seven different area high schools will compete, including Bacon Academy, Woodstock Academy, Norwich Free Academy, Wheeler High School, Stonington High School, E.O. Smith High School, and two teams of four from Plainfield High School.

The debate question is whether the Connecticut General Assembly should ratify Bill 6153 and adopt ranked-choice voting for all state and federal elections.

Mariano, a 2022 Connecticut Teacher of the Year semifinalist, said he was inspired to host a debate tournament to help students rebuild some traditions lost to the pandemic.

“This generation of students lost many traditions during their high school years, and after extensive searching, there was no other comparable event that could give so many students, from various schools, this type of platform, in a one-night event,” he said in an email.

In an effort to build unity, the PHS’s Chamber Choir will sing the national anthem, National Honor Society members will act as time keepers and ambassadors for students from other schools, and faculty will be moderators. Thirteen non-Plainfield judges will adjudicate the debates.

There will be trophies for the top two teams, top five overall speakers, and awards for each team involved. Chartwells Catering will be provide dinner free of charge to everyone in attendance.

The event runs from 2:30 to 8 p.m. at Plainfield High and is free to the public (with a suggested donation of $5). For information, email MarianoK@plainfieldschools.org.