Fifty-two students debated the finer pro and con points of the WASL in the first-ever debate tournament sponsored by Successful Schools in Action and the Seattle Debate Foundation.
The event took place March 29 at Lawton Elementary School with fourth- and fifth-grade debaters from Lawton, Catharine Blaine School, John Hay Elementary School and Coe Elementary School.
The top three teams are John Hay's Ali , who turned in a solo performance; Coe's Hannah and Noel; and Blaine's Elizabeth and Miranda. The 15 debate teams who best made clear their points and rebutted the points of their opponents were awarded medals.
The top 10 individuals who turned in outstanding performances as speakers were also awarded medals. The top three are Emerson from Lawton, Ali from John Hay and Travis from Blaine.
The coach for Coe was Josh Anderson; for John Hay, Chris Berk; for Lawton, David Hirning; and for Blaine, Jessi Vernon. Debaters were recognized for their listening, presenting and partnering skills.
Next up is a debate on the healthability of school lunches. The current slate of debaters chose this topic over the value of video games and over what Seattle could do for its homeless population.
Students will begin preparing for this round on April 19 and debate once again on June 7, this time in the Blaine library.[[In-content Ad]]
