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Nelson high school debaters prove might

Trail’s J.L. Crowe hosted the 5th Annual New Year’s Debate Tourney on Saturday
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Congratulations to Grade 9 LVR students Tia Huttemann (left) and Eija Loponen Stephenson for placing first overall at the Crowe debate. The pair are tops in their grade in the West Kootenays and are off to West Vancouver to represent the local school at the provincial debate tournament in March 3 and 4.

Trail’s J.L. Crowe hosted the 5th Annual New Year’s Debate Tourney on Saturday with teams from Nelson, Invermere, Rossland, and Trail taking part.

This year’s tournament consisted of two rounds of cross- examination in the morning and two rounds of impromptu style in the afternoon.

Everyone debated the cross-examination format in the morning and then the Canadian National Debate Format in the afternoon.

The novice category debated in the cross-examination style. The topic for the junior and senior rounds was: “Be it resolved that the international community should solve man-made humanitarian crises.” For the novice category the topic was: “Be it resolved that the earth can support 10 million people.”

The afternoon had students debating that “our greatest fear is of the unknown.” In the impromptu style students are given the topic one half hour before presenting both the affirmative and negative cases.

L.V. Rogers students did well in the competition.

In the individual competition Kazia Drake placed second and Sienna Drake placed fourth. In the senior team category, Kazia and Sienna placed second.

In the junior team category Tia Huttemann and Eija Loponen Stephenson placed first. Individually, Huttemann was first and Loponen Stephenson was third.

The day was unusual in that there was cross category competition and students were encouraged to take risks. Students didn’t know if they were going to go against someone at their own age level or at another.

In the end, the international community should help to solve man-made crises, the world can’t support ten billion people and we do have a fear of the unknown.

While some felt strongly that it is easier to do the prepared topics, many like to fly by the seat of their pants. As well, some were introduced to the impromptu style for the first time and found that it can provide its own challenges.

“Congratulations were extended to all participants,” said Marilyn Lunde, Crowe coach and debate sponsor. “And a very big thank you needs to be given to the helpers, chairpersons/timers and the West Kootenay Teacher Education Program who contributed to the day’s events.”

The students now look forward to the last local regional tournament to be held in Nelson on February 4. Mark your calendars.