TM
Classic Debate Camp
Miami University, Ohio - July 12-20, 2025
Peter Paik
Camp Director
Peter Paik is the coach of the George School speech and debate team in Pennsylvania. He was the head coach of the University School (Ohio) team for 18 years. Mr. Paik was inducted into the Ohio Speech and Debate Association Coaches Hall of Fame in 2020. (See the induction speeches here.) His Public Forum debate team won the NSDA national championship in 2010. Under his leadership, University School won the NSDA School of Excellence in Debate Award eight times. Mr. Paik's teams have also been successful at the state level, winning the Ohio state championship in PF five times. In 2016 Mr. Paik and Mr. James Lewis launched Classic Debate Camp at Kenyon College with Leslie Muhlbach, Aidan Brandt, and Edith Lui. Mr. Paik is committed to sharing his expertise and his vision for the debate community with everyone.
Emily deJong
Assistant Camp Director
Emily de Jong teaches history and coaches Congressional Debate at Olentangy Liberty High School near Columbus, Ohio. She attended Upper Arlington High School. She earned her Honors undergraduate degree in Political Science and History at the Ohio State University and completed a Master of Education in Integrated Social Studies also at OSU. When she was in college and graduate school, Emily coached Upper Arlington's Mock Trial and Moot Court Teams. In Mock Trial, she helped her team to advance to state-level competitions twice. In Moot Court, she coached one Finalist and two State Champions. In her free time, Emily enjoys participating in outdoor activities like backpacking, rock climbing, cycling, and Ultimate Frisbee. She looks forward to meeting all of the talented young debaters and is excited to watch their critical thinking skills blossom at camp.
Tonja Fangman
Camp Nurse
Tonja Fangman is from Oxford, Ohio. Tonja graduated from Miami University in 2014 with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing and from Wright State University in 2017 with her certification in School Nursing. She is currently the District Nurse for the Talawanda School District in Oxford. She works daily with students in grades preschool through high school. Tonja is married and has three children as well as a beagle named Sadie. In her free time, she enjoys boating, camping, reading, and spending time with her family. At Classic Debate Camp, Tonja looks forward to providing any needed medical care to campers and helping them to have a healthy, fun-filled week!
Casey Powell
Administrative Assistant
Casey Powell attended Cary Academy in North Carolina where he competed in Lincoln-Douglas for four years. He served as LD Co-Captain during 11th and 12th grade. Casey placed in the top 14 at NSDA nationals, qualified to the NCFL national tournament three times, and won 1st place at the GMU Patriot Games. He coached at the Triangle Debate League summer camp for two years and was active with Beyond Resolved. Beyond debate, Casey enjoys ceramics, thrifting, cross country/track, playing alto saxophone, and creating coffee concoctions. He is a University Scholar at Duke University, studying medicine and political science. After serving three years on the CDC LD staff, Casey will be helping Peter and Emily with camp administration in 2025.