For the students in Debate, it isn’t just about arguing. The CHS Debate team is a primarily student-led team that has won state championships the last two years and is now on a roll to win for a third year. The group of students is a community of individuals with a united passion for Debate, looking to develop their argumentative and debation skills, and to also just have some fun with other like-minded people!
For some students, Debate serves as a social outlet– a place to engage with other people, make new friends, and develop skills on how to listen and respond to people. It is a very welcoming, fun, and friendly environment, serving as a place for every type of person to learn and grow their social skills. Meeting in A Commons at 4 pm every Tuesday, they welcome anybody to come sit in on a meeting and get involved, no matter who you are or how experienced you are!
CHS Senior and Debate co-president Sophie Brissett says, “I didn’t have any friends at CHS, and I met all my friends in debate. I think it builds so much for your character.” she continues, “half of my confidence comes from being in debate rooms.” Later, after being asked if they’ve learned anything from being in debate, she responds, “Anybody can do Debate. Even if you don’t do the actual argumentative part, you can do speeches. It’s so much fun; there’s something for everybody there.”
Not only is Debate Club a great social outlet for new and old CHS students alike, but it also helps you develop fundamental life skills and leadership responsibility. By striving to talk and discuss with many groups of different and diverse people, you’ll learn to engage with and respond to others. They make sure everyone has a voice of their own and is confident in their own abilities to state and defend their own claim.
“I’ve learned everything I know about writing from Debate,” CHS Senior Solly Goluboff-Schragger says. “Everything I know about research, about public speaking, about engaging with other people and listening,” he says. “Definitely, I’ve learned a lot about public speaking also,” Sophie adds to what he already said, “It can be so good because you get better at it.”
The CHS debate team is a space where you can go to create new bonds with other people and strengthen your argumentative and cooperation skills. They strive to make sure everyone has a voice, pursuing diversity and open ideas, as well as self-confidence for all CHS students who are willing to give debate a try! If you are interested in trying it out, join the team in A-commons every Tuesday after school at 4 pm.
