Sebastian Gardner

Ascend California - Congressional Debate Junior Instructor

Sebastian is a graduate of The Potomac School in Virginia and a freshman at Cornell University, where he is majoring in Public Policy. A two-year alumnus of Ascend, Sebastian is in his eighth year of competing in speech and debate, including four years in World Schools, three years in Congressional Debate, and his first year on the Cornell Speech and Debate Team. He is a four-time National Speech and Debate Tournament qualifier and has finaled at the Florida Blue Key Tournament, the Villiger Tournament at St. Joseph’s University (twice), the Patriot Games at George Mason University, the Cavalier Invitational at Durham Academy, and the John Edie Holiday Debates hosted by The Blake School. He was the 2024 Virginia State Champion and the 2025 State Runner-Up.

Sebastian served as a captain of his school’s congressional debate team for two years and has been coaching even longer than that. He has coached middle school debate at his school for three years and worked for two summers at his school’s debate camp, helping students of all skill levels develop confidence and familiarity with the activity.

Sebastian believes there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to debate. His coaching style emphasizes what makes each debater unique and how those strengths can be used to win rounds and enjoy the activity, particularly in their speaking. Whether a student leans into passionate rhetoric, strong refutation, or a well-rounded approach, Sebastian works to bring out each speaker’s distinct style and voice in round.

Outside of debate, Sebastian is an avid theater kid, fencer, and F1 fan. Whether he’s watching Les Misérables or tuning in for the next race (#Vettel2017wasrobbed), he’s excited to return to Ascend and help students grow this summer!