What happens when three Academy juniors travel to Philadelphia to compete in the Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament?

Instead of spending Memorial Day weekend at the beach, Theresa Lopez, Elaine Petrarca, and Emily Rodriguez represented Academy in team policy debate, prose, and poetry. Beyond debating, the girls had the chance to explore Philadelphia.

Braving the cold and rainy weather, the girls visited the Liberty Bell and explored the historical section of the city. Emily Rodriguez and chaperone Janet Rodriguez shared little-known facts about the architecture.”The number of steps in front of a house represented the status and title of the inhabitant during colonial times.”

Philadelphia, most famous for its Philly Cheesesteaks,  is host to a wide variety of delicious foods. Sister Patricia Plumb particularly enjoyed the food in China Town. “My meal was absolutely amazing.”

Theresa Lopez raved about the cheesesteaks. “Jim’s Steaks was awesome! The walls were covered with autographs and the sandwich was to die for.”

The girls ended the weekend with a visit to the Rodin Art Museum. “The Thinker” by Auguste Rodin is one of the sculptor’s more well-known pieces because of its appearance in the movie Night at the Museum 2. Emily Rodriguez noted the large crowd congregating outside the museum.  “Couples commonly take pictures in front of the museum, which is ironic because they are posing in front of The Gates of Hell.”

Ready for another debating trip to add to their knowledge of food, travel and culture, Theresa, Elaine, and Emily will compete again in June at the National Forensic League Grand National Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama.