This year, the Scituate High School Debate Team has been revived and gone into full gear of practices and debates with the help of various students across the school. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the group experienced a quiet period, where it staggered slightly in participation and a lack of promotion around the school. However, with President Tessa Norton, an SHS senior, and Secretary Jane Ryan, an SHS junior, the team was ready to face tough competition and comprehensive questions.
A large part of the come-back of the team would not have been possible without Norton and Ryan, putting in work both during and after school to contribute to the growth. Ryan described her involvement as a “learning experience,” commenting that her participation came from her older sister’s encouragement to join and that there’s certainly a larger number of students joining. Additionally, Ryan explained that her goal for the season was to “reintroduce the club to the school and give everyone a good experience.” Norton expressed her appreciation for the large turnout and her pride in taking on such an important role, adding that she’s head delegate of the Model UN team so she took an interest in debate a few years ago.
Most of the time put into the team comes from practices during WINN block or occasionally after school. SHS junior Owen Hofford joined the team this year and explained that the flexible schedule allows him to be part of something larger while balancing other commitments, like sports and homework. Hofford is on the “affirmative” team with SHS junior Quinn DeCourcey, meaning that with any question or topic, he argues for the resolution. On the other hand, Ryan and Norton are on the “negative” team; therefore, they argue against the topic. The team includes sixteen students who can debate for the season, but with the space for alternates, many people can participate.
Furthermore, the debate team has expanded its influence in other ways. Norton remarked, “It gives me a better grasp on how to talk with people about more serious topics,” and Ryan conveyed that since she’s part of Model UN and other clubs, her involvement has improved her public speaking. Hofford agreed, stating that he hopes to finish the season with improved public speaking skills.
One of the main benefits that has come out of the team is the development of a bond and positive team climate. Hofford explained that he joined partly due to his friends joining the team. He enjoys the bus rides to and from meets, as they allow him to make friends and develop a connection with other students. Ryan similarly discussed her appreciation for the bus rides, saying they may be long, but they are still very entertaining and enjoyable.
Norton stated that her goals for the season are to “help the underclassmen understand the debate team better,” and she hopes it continues into the next few years.