For the first time in tournament history, a middle school team won the Novice High School Division at the Santa Clara University Invitational, a high school debate tournament held in mid-December. The winning Harker team consisted of eighth graders Rohith Bhethanabotla and Travis Chen. Because Harker is one of few middle schools with a debate team it is often difficult to find venues for competition. However, a small number of high school debate tournaments allow middle school teams to compete. Harker, the only middle school team in the tournament, sent 21 debaters and many of them came away with impressive achievements.

Other students who did especially well include Vikram Sundar, Kevin Duraiswamy and Jithin Vellian, all Gr. 8. Overall the team consists of primarily eighth graders but also includes some seventh and sixth graders. Their achievements are especially impressive because this tournament is attended by some of the best high school teams in the area.