Evelyn has been the President of the SADA since 2025, and leads with a dedication to developing the strong critical analysis skills and independent, reasoned thinking of the younger generation in a technology-dominated era. In her role, she oversees the function of all other portfolios and communicates with schools and students regarding their experiences and needs.

 

Evelyn has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Advanced), but her love for debating began back in high school as a SADA competitor herself. She experienced a successful run in the schools' competition, making the Intermediate B Grand Final, and eventually becoming Senior A champion and recipient of the Fran Conroy Medal for Best Speaker in the Senior A Grand Final. After school, Evelyn coached various teams to titles in the Intermediate A and Senior A grades, as well as at the Australian Jesuit Schools’ Debating Carnival.

 

Evelyn joined the SADA as a Zone Steward and adjudicator in 2022. In 2023, she coached the South Australian State Team towards their national title, and assumed the role of Education Officer. In 2024, she served as Vice President (Administration) and continued to coach the State Team (as she has done to this day). Evelyn has attended several National Schools' Debating Championships, both as a coach and as South Australia's Official Adjudicator. She has not competed herself since a successful run at the 2023 Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championships, but she continues to enjoy adjudicating the schools’ competition as a way to stay connected with the broader community.

 

Evelyn may be reached at president.sada@gmail.com for any broader SADA-related queries.