Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox College
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Debating Excellence: St Mark’s Wins the 2025 HICES Grand Final

The St Mark's Junior Debating Team won the HICES Grand Final for the second consecutive year, with Holly Fawzy named Best Debater, highlighting the College's critically acclaimed debating program.

The art of debating continues to flourish at St Mark’s, where our students are proving themselves among the finest young speakers in New South Wales.

At the 2025 HICES Debating Grand Finals, held at Penrith Anglican College, St Mark’s Junior Team claimed victory in a thrilling contest on whether the voting age in Australia should be lowered to 16. Competing against Emmanuel Anglican College, our students delivered compelling arguments with clarity and confidence, earning well-deserved recognition for their skill and composure under pressure.

A special congratulations goes to Holly Fawzy, who was named Best Debater of the Junior Grand Final — an incredible personal achievement and a proud moment for the College.

Across the season, St Mark’s entered multiple teams, achieving outstanding results that culminated in the College being named Runner-Up for the Sue Macneil Overall Champion School Award, a testament to the strength of our debating program.

This marks our second consecutive year winning the Junior Grand Final — a reflection of dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to articulate, respectful discourse. Our students continue to embody the spirit of confident communication and critical thinking that lies at the heart of a St Mark’s education.

Debating Excellence: St Mark’s Wins the 2025 HICES Grand Final