High school debaters unite in their discussions on prominent issues
Young Debaters Shine at National Speech and Debate Tournament
The National Speech and Debate Tournament, a prestigious annual event for high school students across the U.S., took place in Des Moines, Iowa, this year. Organized by the National Speech and Debate Association, the tournament is a showcase of critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills among the nation's brightest young minds.
One of the participants was Macon Smith, a 17-year-old high school junior from Bob Jones Academy in Greenville, South Carolina. Macon, coached by Gail and Chuck Nicholas, competed in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate, a competition modeled after public debates between Abraham Lincoln and Sen. Stephen Douglas. The competition required Macon to argue for and against various controversial and timely topics within 40 minutes.
Macon's preparation for the tournament involved two days a week of practice after school, research, and writing out arguments. His debates often delved into political and religious beliefs, but he found it essential to maintain connections with people who may not share his views.
Another participant was Callista Martin, a 16-year-old rising senior from Bainbridge High School in Washington state. Despite not advancing to the semifinals, Callista demonstrated her dedication and resilience. In the absence of coaches at her school, she has been coaching both her classmates and herself. Callista also met Macon Smith, a competitor from the tournament, online for scrimmages, allowing them to debate someone with differing political views and argument styles.
The National Speech and Debate Association, which has been in existence for a century, aims to double its membership in the next five years. This ambitious goal requires recruiting more teachers to lead clubs. However, some teachers may be hesitant due to restrictions in certain states or the lack of supplemental pay or recognition.
The tournament was a platform for diverse students to voice their opinions. Gagnado Diedhiou, a senior from Eastside High School in Greenville, South Carolina, is the only Black teenager and the only student wearing a hijab in her Congressional Debate division. Her participation in the speech and debate club encouraged her to think more deeply about her own beliefs.
Camille Fernandez, a rising junior at West Broward High School in Florida, has faced sexist remarks during competitions. She is a member of a student-led group trying to bridge inequities in the clubs.
At the end of the past school year, just under 3,800 public and private high schools and middle schools were members of the National Speech and Debate Association. The impact of the tournament on high school students is profound, enhancing their critical thinking, developing their debate skills, empowering them, fostering academic and leadership growth, and providing pathways to higher education.
- The National Speech and Debate Association's goal to double its membership in the next five years highlights the importance of innovation in education and self-development, as more teachers are needed to lead clubs and address lingering inequalities within the system.
- The National Speech and Debate Tournament, a platform for diverse students to voice their opinions, offers a unique learning environment where participants can engage with individuals holding different political views and argument styles, promoting a more inclusive and equitable education landscape.
