In the past month, our Ramsey High School debate team, led by Mrs. Alcaide, has done an exceptional job hosting and executing the North Jersey debates, kicking off the start of the season. The top Bergen County schools came together, engaging in several meticulous debates throughout the school day. This year’s topic is, “The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.” Classes had the opportunity to watch the rigorous debates, being able to appreciate the countless hours of dedication. While watching the debates, observers recognized the critical thinking, communication skills, quick and analytical thinking these students have developed after their weekly practice session. Two students debated with exceptional talent, Abby Rostkowski, and Declan Finnegan taking the Third-Place Speaker Awards for their remarkable debates.
Observing a debate from the audience with no prior knowledge can seem intimidating, however, Peter Pawlik a member of the club simply explained how the affirmative side, brings their plan to the Debate, and the Negative side, picks through and find holes in affirmative sides argument. Another member of the club, Ej Mavrides, described the other positions in debate which are the judges and timers. Judges determine if the affirmative or the negative won the debate, tallying different points according to the given rubric. The timer simply lets the debaters keep track of the time remaining. Each speech is 5 minutes, and each cross is 2 minutes.
Clearly, debate club is not just arguing with people for fun, but thoroughly improves many crucial skills that will be utilized throughout one’s life. Ramsey’s debate team is off to an exceptional start and The Ram wishes them good luck for the rest of their season.
