Debate Tournament Results
Apr 26
During the second semester of this school year, I have participated in the CCNW debate league as a team with my sister, Maddie Desmond.
During this time, we have competed in a total of four debate events:
- one “workshop” (January)
- two “round robins” (February and March)
- one “tournament” (April)
Summary of the Debate Season
During the workshop, we tested our cases and practiced our debate skills, but no awards were given or announced.
The round robin competition in February included four rounds and, for the first time, awards were given. To our amazement, Maddie and I actually won the first place team award; Maddie won the seventh (I think) speaker award, and I won the third place speaker award.
In the March round robin, we did not win any team award, but we did still get speaker awards.
In the final tournament, we were the top team going into the out rounds, but we lost during the quarter finals. When the results came in, we won fifth place team award; Maddie won third place speaker award, and I won first place speaker award.
What I Learned
During this debate season, I learned how to…
- communicate my ideas clearly to my audience.
- recognize logical fallacies.
- evaluate the “expertise” of experts.
- ask the right questions to find flaws in arguments.
A Big Thank You To…
My learning and success in debate is due to the influence and gracious time investments of my debate teacher (Mrs. Arp), my parents, my debate partner and sister (Maddie Desmond), the CCNW director (Mr. Engel), and the encouragement and help of my fellow debaters.
Most of all, I owe my success to the blessing of Jesus Christ. May all the glory go to God!
