As the debate team stands on stage with that red and white trophy in their hands, they know that this season is going to be fun. Debate offers middle school students a competitive outlet that challenges them mentally and emotionally.

Safiya Rashid ’30 describes the elective as “very unique, very fun, very exciting.”

As debate is in the midst of this season, they get ready for competitions. While the middle school team has some after school practices, most of their preparation takes place in class. This preparation ensures at their next tournament they will continue to crush it. Everybody has built up their confidence, as Arya Ashan ‘30 stresses. Speaking in front of people can be scary, but through debate, students learn to speak confidently in any scenario.

The team writes their speeches on different topics determined by DEBATE-Kansas City, the urban debate league Barstow middle school debaters compete in. They make sure everything goes according to plan so that they can get that gold trophy next time. Even if debate sounds scary, think about giving it a try. You never know what you might find fun!

Be sure to congratulate any debaters you see on all their hard work and success this season!

”Very unique, very fun, very exciting.”