spring debate

With Winter Break just having barely ended (sigh…), many find their minds still stuck in vacation mode and become victims of that omnipresent, irresistible urge to slack off and procrastinate.
The hardworking members of Arcadia High School’s Speech and Debate team, however, have been careful not to fall into this trap even though their last tournament took place back in early December. For proof of their dedication, just look at their performance at Spring Debate, which was held on January 7th and 8th at Arroyo High School.
Debate tournaments are intensely competitive, but they offer respite from the long, continuous rounds of Speech tournaments, a routine which can become painfully boring at times.
“I enjoy debate because it’s more academic and it challenges you to think quickly,” says Junior Bryant Irawan, “Speech, for the most part, is about acting or preparation.”
Events offered at Spring Debate included Parliamentary Debate, in which two duos argue against each other with limited preparation time, Student Congress, in which “Senators” debate proposed legislation in a mock session of Congress, and Lincoln-Douglas Debate, which consists of two competitors going head-to-head over a resolution given beforehand.
On Friday, first-year members were let out of class early to compete in the novice division of each event. The competition lasted well into the evening, leaving many exhausted but nevertheless gratified by the overall experience.
“quote about the novice events,” said so-and-so, “end of said quote.”
The next morning at 8 a.m., it was the Junior Varsity and Varsity members’ turn. The competition was much stronger, and the resolutions were noticeably harder – but nothing that Arcadia’s talented debaters couldn’t handle, of course!
“quote about varsity events,” said so-and-so #2, “end of said quote.”
By late afternoon, all the results were recorded and points added up. As expected, Arcadia was able to produce another strong showing, racking up an impressive [huge number] trophies, a number only to be exceeded by [hopefully no one, but probably San Marino BOOOOO]
Speech and Debate will now turn their attention to Spring Varsity, which is to be held on January 30th at Arcadia High School, and, of course, the State Qualifiers in late February.
Congratulations to all those who participated in Spring Debate and best of luck in your upcoming tournaments!

With Winter Break just having barely ended (sigh…), many find their minds still stuck in vacation mode and become victims of that omnipresent, irresistible urge to slack off and procrastinate.
The hardworking members of Arcadia High School’s Speech and Debate team, however, have been careful not to fall into this trap even though their last tournament took place back in early December. For proof of their dedication, just look at their performance at Spring Debate, which was held on January 7th and 8th at Arroyo High School.
Debate tournaments are intensely competitive, but they offer respite from the long, continuous rounds of Speech tournaments, a routine which can become painfully boring at times.
“I enjoy debate because it’s more academic and it challenges you to think quickly,” says Junior Bryant Irawan, “Speech, for the most part, is about acting or preparation.”
Events offered at Spring Debate included Parliamentary Debate, in which two duos argue against each other with limited preparation time, Student Congress, in which “Senators” debate proposed legislation in a mock session of Congress, and Lincoln-Douglas Debate, which consists of two competitors going head-to-head over a resolution given beforehand.
On Friday, first-year members were let out of class early to compete in the novice division of each event. The competition lasted well into the evening, leaving many exhausted but gratified by the overall experience.
“I think our first-year members are doing really well,” said Junior Ray Chao, “Not just in terms of pure results, but also in their dedication and enthusiasm for the team.”
The next morning at 8 a.m., it was the Junior Varsity and Varsity members’ turn. The competition was much stronger, and the resolutions were noticeably harder – nothing that Arcadia’s talented debaters couldn’t handle, of course!
“It was a very long day because the rounds didn’t end until after four,” said Junior Rachel Redberg, “but it gave everyone solid practice for upcoming tournaments.”
By sunset, all the results were finally recorded and points added up. As expected, Arcadia was able to produce another strong showing, racking up an impressive six awards, including a first place finish in Varsity Parliamentary Debate by Seniors Winston Chang and Jennifer Hang.
Speech and Debate will now turn their attention to Spring Varsity, which is to be held on January 30th at Arcadia High School, and, of course, the State Qualifiers coming up in late February.
Congratulations to all those who participated in Spring Debate and best of luck in your upcoming tournaments!