Senior Debaters Win Gold
Grade 12 students Lisa Jane D. and Robbie A. talked their way to a gold medal when they won a debating tournament held in Victoria recently.
How would you go about debating the resolutions “We need more socialism” or “Character is the key to success”?
With only half an hour to prepare either the negative or affirmative side of a given resolution, debaters call upon a variety of skills from quick and critical thinking to effective public speaking. “With each debate that SLS attends, students in this fine art build upon the skills that are essential to vibrant and democratic societies,” explains Coach Paul Klassen.
“Getting ready and preparing for the debate was tough, but actually being in the room and arguing was so exhilarating, ” says Nehmat B. a new junior debater.
“We invited Brentwood for a practice ‘pizza debate’,” adds Robbie. “Much to my surprise, I was up against a debate team with the same level of experience. Immediately, my nerves settled, and I let my brain take over. I have never been so hooked on an activity as I am with debate.”
Debates do not happen without the volunteer judges that join us at these tournaments. A special thanks to Mrs. Hutchins’ husband, Andrew Shepherd, and alumnus Chris Hyde-Lay ’77 (Lake’s).