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The Debate Team Brings Home a 5th Place Trophy
Members of the Debate Team competed in their first tournament on Saturday at Madison County High School. They departed from the campus at 6:30 AM and returned around 7:00 PM. Five cadets were able to challenge themselves in the areas of research, writing, organization, note taking, thinking on their feet and oratory skills as they prepared for and then competed in three different events.
Tanner Clements and John McManus competed in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Their topic was: "Resolved: A just government should provide health care to its citizens." They prepared to argue the affirmative side as well as the negative side of this issue. At each tournament competitors typically compete in four rounds, two affirmative rounds and two negative rounds.
Jake Hargrove competed in Extemporaneous Speaking. In this event contestants deliver speeches in three rounds. Prior to the tournament they prepare by learning as much as they can about current events. They practice organization of facts as well as speech delivery. No notes are allowed for a speech which has a minimum time of four and one-half minutes and a maximum time of seven and one-half minutes. In addition, contestants do not know the questions they will be required to speak on until 30 minutes prior to the time they are to begin their delivery. Jake spoke on gay marriage, the potential for civil war in Iraq, and the banning of carry-on items to ensure safety.
The two returning members of the Debate Team, Rob Courtney and Jonathan Blair, competed in Student Congress. Prior to the tournament students write legislation and submit it to the league. The legislation is then disseminated and students research the topics. They prepare three minute authorship speeches for their own bills and resolutions, and prepare affirmative and negative speeches for the legislation submitted by others. Rob's bill was: "Selective Service will now include women, as well as men from the age eighteen and older. Jonathan's bill was: "This bill will further enhance government funding for research to make a greater quantity of more affordable prosthetic limbs available to those wounded in combat."
Congratulations to Rob Courtney who won the fifth place trophy in Student Congress. Rob also became a state qualifier with the privilege to compete in the STATE tournament in March 2007.
The team especially wishes to thank Col. Ransone and Major Henthorne who served as judges and thereby made it possible for the Debate Team to compete.
Article courtesy of Ginger Welch
Posted by Elizabeth Liles, Monday, October 9, 2006 11:09 AM
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