Confident, driven, passionate and hard working, Sophia Amundgaard leads with purpose both in and out of the debate space. As a former debate captain and a member of programs such as Youth Voter Project and Model UN, Amundgaard represents a student whose four-year journey on the team reflects dedication leadership, and a deep commitment using her voice.
Amungdaard joined the debate team in her freshman year and later became involved in speech and Model UN for the school. These experiences such as tournaments, public speaking, research and argumentation have shaped her into a strong debater and speaker. Additionally, as one of the debate captains, her role extends beyond competing in rounds or conducting research. She also helped guide and set the tone for the team through the season by encouraging team work and virtue.
Jack Bogie, a senior and captain of the debate team said, “She has inspired me to work harder and put more time and dedication into this, and I feel like she inspires that with everyone around her.”
The quote highlights Amundgaard role as a leader, showing that her dedication encourages and inspires others to put in greater effort and commitment as Bogie explained.
Along with her leadership, Amungdaard has many other qualities that make her an exceptional student, such as her ambition and passion when it comes to her objectives and goals. Amungdaard advocated for her goals in high pressure situations such as finals. “Nationals for speech last year, just watching the excitement as she continued to advance and inevitably made Semi Finals was such a heartwarming moment” said Ella Venzke senior captain showing how Amundgaard overcomes challenges in her path, making her unstoppable.
“She is so ambitious, and she’s very driven and so passionate about what she wants, and she has a very clear motive and vision if what she wants”. Savithri Jimy senior and one of Amundgaard closest friends mentioned.
With more than three of experiences and countless rounds behind her, Amundgaard demonstrates quick thinking and a strong communication skills. She “takes a concept or idea that might take others longer to understand and digests it almost immediately” said Venzke senior captain, a skill that helps her master complex debate topics.
Looking ahead as her teammates mentioned Amundgaard hopes to pursue future in international relations, with aspirations of one day serving as a United Nation ambassador. Bogie said “I know that she is really invested in forward diplomacy, and I believe working for the United Nations and becoming a ambassador in that regard, and I fully expect her to be able to do that”
It is clear the impact Amundgaard has had in debate goes beyond wins or trophies but, what she has caused and inspired others through her passion, ambition and willingness to help others. “I have never met someone who works harder than Sophia” Bogie said just like many other teammates and peers have mentioned about her
