The Hastings High Debate team is given the opportunity to practice critical thinking skills that they will use throughout their lives.
Students on the debate team defend a particular viewpoint while attempting to persuade others that their viewpoint is superior. Debate is a formal argumentation contest in which teams or individuals compete. It is a tool for the development and maintenance of democracy and an open society. Debate helps students embrace the goals of reasoned argument such as tolerance for differing points of view and rigorous self-examination which draws the attention of many.
“Debate is one of the only academic programs in the school that regularly competes out of town. I think that’s part of what draws people, including myself, to the team,” president Pauline Jonglertham said.
Individuals profit from the discussion process. Debate, with its emphasis on critical thinking, effective communication, independent investigation, and teamwork teaches skills that are useful in education, the workplace, politics, and fulfilling one’s responsibilities as a member of a democratic society.
“I’ve learned how important being ‘in the know’ is. Philosophically, finding out how much you don’t know about literally everything is really humbling, to the point of near existentialism,. More pragmatically, common knowledge of world affairs ought to be a foundation for everyone. Ignorance may be bliss, but it’s also incredibly suffocating at times. On base, I think everyone benefits themselves when they just know more,” Jonglertham said.
Students who have learned to debate are better equipped to critically evaluate the statements made by their political officials and make educated decisions regarding important subjects. As a result, understanding the ideas that underpin debate is critical to the democratic process and confidence within students.
“I have broken out of my shell quite a bit since joining debate,” first-year freshman Claire Davis said.
Jude Rutt, Evan Strom, and Pauline Jonglerham all mention their meetings are filled with lots of planning that involves organizing fundraisers, contacting sponsors, and putting together team bonding activities.
“Meetings are usually chaotic, but fun, and they help the team bond,” Strom said.
The Debate Team is continuing to grow, and the team is always accepting newcomers.
“I would like those interested in debate to know that, like most things, you’re only going to get out what you put in. If you want to put 10+ hours into casework and researching, there are opportunities to win tournaments — you just have to GO to them, as unappealing as a 5:00 am bus ride sounds,” Jonglerham said.
