In 2010, Rachel Carson Middle School formed its first ever debate club. Many students, including myself, participated in the club and allowed it to grow far beyond what any of us could have imagined. By the end of the first year, we had managed to become one of the top debate clubs in the region, sending two of our teams to tournaments at the national level. All these accomplishments would have be impossible without our experienced debate coach, Mr. Creech. Mr. Creech tutored us and helped our skill levels grow. He truly paved the way for our achievements, and I think everybody who was in the club will agree with me. This year, however, Mr. Creech is having some difficulties in re-forming the club. This blog was made so that students and parents can show their support for RCMS debate.
Debate has taught me many skills, such as good posture, voice projection, effective researching, and persuasion. All these abilities will help me later on in my life. Debating is truly one of my passions, and I hope the school will support this club in its efforts to teach students what debating truly is.
What Jeffrey has said it completely true. We have benefited from debate and this Blog is meant to bring back what is so precious to us.
ReplyDeleteLast year my team made it to Nationals, had multiple victories in D.C. debate as well! I learned so much from this and I hope to learn more this year too.
Mr. Creech, our coach, has put so much effort and time into us. He has taught us, helped us and supported us all the way. This is truely a man I respect and want to learn more from.
I was interested in joining debate last year but due to a conflicted schedule I unfortunately couldn't. I would very much want to join this year so I can learn valuable skills needed as an adult, like how to speak and how to reason. I also want to expand my horizons on many topics by looking at more than one side. I can vouch for myself and many others by saying that debate is a thing we enjoy and would not want to be taken away from us. By allowing debate club the next generation of RCMS can also reap the rewards and skills from this amazing club.
ReplyDeleteIt's undeniable that America is made from leaders. Those who take initiative fare the better roads because of self determination, passion, will, and the ability to voice their opinions on what they want and, eventually, their voice on how to change the world. Yet, creativity and logic doesn't come out of the air and enter the mind through osmosis, it comes from experience and work. As a matter of fact, it's the debate that reigns in Presidential elections. It's the debate that's aired on TV when the politicians run. It's the debate that plays a key role in everything we do, and not without a point, as proved in the simple reflection of society itself. DEBATE *MAKES* THE FUTURE GENERATION. I've learned so much more in this club than I can simply just express in a few words, but some examples are better than none, so here I go.
ReplyDeleteDebate told me how to IMPROVE: I went from a 0-4 to the 8th place team in a matter of months. All it took was one tournament and extra commitment, and it shows that yes. It does pay off.
Debate taught me how to LAUGH OFF FAILURE: There was always, always the promise of "next time." And so we smiled, just thinking about the promises and trophies in hold. But that promise is being taken away.
Debate taught me how to SPEAK IN FRONT OF OTHERS: I talked fast. Really fast. And I relied on my notes all the time, often finding myself tripping over my words in an attempt for my brain to catch up with my mouth. I'll admit I wasn't the best debater. I'm still not, and I never will be-- but that doesn't mean I can't get closer. I locked in on my weaknesses and I fixed them. I'm still fixing them now-- but I might not even get a second chance.
Debate taught me TEAMWORK: We don't go to tournaments dull and oblivious. After every tournament, we run down the hallways screaming, "What did you get?!" I made friends in this club, friends that eventually became some of my best. I wouldn't trade that for anything.
Most importantly though, debate gave me something to LOVE. Finally, I was a part of something. I had hopes, I had fears, I felt anxiety, I felt sadness; but I had joy and I had happiness, all at the same time. The true element of it all was a PASSION. A will to achieve, a will to succeed, and to try my best, regardless of a win-or-lose status. Debate changed my outlook on everything, not just my skill. Now, as this passion is being threatened-- I voice my arguments through the matter in which I've been taught. Composure and posture, along with logic and a sharp tongue, not afraid to voice the thoughts that come in my mind. Debate shapes mindsets at once, making it a crucial element not in the relaxed but the competitive form-- and that's an element that Rachel Carson NEEDS. Our club can't be taken away. Not unless we want to shape thinkers for America, not unless we want to shape our future. Debate IS the future, and it won't be wasted away to laziness and miscommunication. We will stand strong for the club that has changed us.
I agree with Sherry, I was on her team during the 0-4 rounds but a came back the next time as the #1 team and made it to the nationals of debate. And again, there was the prospect of "next time." Yet now, there might not BE a next time.
ReplyDeleteI hope that RCMS learns how great of a club this is and allow it to continue downs its path.
I think debate should continue. Even after today.
ReplyDeleteI think you guys are in college
ReplyDelete