Topeka ? The debate team of a small eastern Kansas high school is in the “Sweet 16” of a prestigious international debate competition.

Debaters from Silver Lake High School submitted written arguments last week for the Bickel & Brewer and New York University International Public Policy Forum. The competition attracted entries from about 340 schools in 42 states and 36 foreign countries.

The topic for the debate is whether NATO military operations in Afghanistan are justified.

Andrea Burnett, program coordinator for the competition, says Silver Lake’s success is impressive because it’s the first year the school has entered the contest.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports that the team will find out Feb. 8 if it’s in the top eight. Those teams travel to New York April 8-10, to present oral arguments.