MHS/U32 Debate Team Newsletter 9/23

Tournament season begins in earnest first week of November and runs generally on Saturdays, every 2 weeks, through mid-March. During September and October, before the first tournament, students will learn about preparation and practice a mock debate or two. Transportation to debate sites is provided and students get pizza lunch, drinks and snacks on tournament days.

Q. What are the most important things you have learned in your 3 years doing debate ?

A. I've learned the importance of building a supportive partnership. My partner and I became really good at sharing the burden of case prep and research while playing to each other's strengths. At the end of the day, I've learned to not take debate tournaments too seriously and have fun with them The topics can be really engaging once you are in the right mindset, and once you are willing to work hard and make mistakes (also practice! practice! practice! really pays off). I've learned not to quit when things get difficult, to trust the judgment of my partner and to accept harsh and honest criticism from judges in order to improve.

Q. How does debate prepare you and your team mates for the future?

A. Debate prepares students for the future in a few ways. Time management and accountability to yourself and your team is incredibly important in order to be prepared. Learning certain levels of courtesy, decorum and how to conduct yourself in a formal setting pays off in work life, as does conducting high level research and analysis on difficult topics in academic life. And of course, public speaking and overcoming fears you may have (or at least building fear tolerance) is priceless!

Q, What kinds of qualities should an interested student have in order to join and stay with the team?

Students should have a deep curiosity about the world around them, perseverance, willingness to try new things and put themselves out there. Any hard skills (speaking, writing, confidence) can be improved over time, but those qualities and a positive attitude are key.

Q. Why are you glad you've taken up debate and stuck with it?

A. Debate pushes you to think and speak in ways completely different than school and much more fun! I can honestly look back on my three years and say with confidence I've had some fun and learned so much. I'm excited to be back in the fall! Also, I've met some amazing people whom I'm sure I'll keep in touch with after high school.

And of course the team is amazing. It's really great to be around such smart and interesting people and I hope everyone will return next year, I have good feelings about future seasons!

In February, 2023 Bridge reporter Mary Mello interviewed the debate team for a feature article: "The Montpelier/U32 Debate Team: Arguing for the Fun of It."

"Whether you’re a veteran debater or a new player," she wrote, "debating is a highly competitive undertaking. Annabelle Moreland, a sophomore at U-32, was surprised at first. “I knew we would be arguing things but I didn’t know people would be yelling.” Her partner Cal Boyd grins, “Yeah, it can get pretty intense.”

There’s a lot of research and preparation for a new topic and a lot of multitasking during a tournament. What do these high school students get in return? Most debaters talk about the increased self confidence and the ability to think on your feet. Anika Turcotte enjoys the sense of community she feels not just with her teammates but with other kids in debating circles.

Montpelier High sophomore Logan Kimble hesitates before he answers, “ I know a lot more about the real world and I’ve learned to be persuasive. I know colleges really like to see debating on your application but … I didn’t know it would be so fun.”

You can see the full article here: https://montpelierbridge.org/2023/02/the-montpelier-u-32-debate-team-arguing-for-the-fun-of-it/

Email: bronwyn@bronwynfryer.com
Website: bronwynfryer.com
Phone: 339 223 7611

Aside from learning how to improve their critical thinking skills, absorb complex information, do research, hold civil oppositional discussions, write speeches and practice for competitions, students who participate in high school debate:

· Can raise their reading comprehension skills by up to 25%

· Become self-directed learners

· Show more maturity in the face of adversity

· Develop strong relationships with peers and adults

· Take in college-level philosophy, history, public policy and current events

· Raise their self-confidence

· Graduate at the top 10% of their class

· Do better on standardized tests

· Have a team average GPA of 3.75 or higher

· Get admitted to top colleges and earn scholarships