It’s Debatable Debate Club kicks off its first year at UC High, meeting on Mondays in English Teacher Richard Nardi’s classroom, and is a place for Centurions to engage in invigorating discussions.
Club President Afia Hossain said, “I started It’s Debatable Debate Club officially at UC High because I think it is important to have a dedicated space for students to develop essential skills like public speaking, critical argumentation, and persuasive reasoning. The environment now offers a chance for students to explore complex controversial topics in a structured, objective manner.”
Hossain said, “Our club operates on a two-week cycle with a formal debate that occurs at the end of the process. Members first vote on a compelling topic. Then we dive deep into research, gathering evidence and crafting sharp arguments and rebuttals, before we hold the exciting debate.” Hossain welcomes all UC High students, not just official members, to attend debates.
Freshman Evan Lopez is a club member and attends regularly. He said, “My favorite part about Debate Club is hearing other people’s opinions and thoughts. It helps me build my own opinions and thoughts based on what others think.”
Junior Kai Selleck helps run the club as Vice President. He said, “I wanted to help start the Debate Club, because I am really passionate about deeper topics that are harder to have casual conversations about and debate really allows for that opportunity. Also, as someone who isn’t very great at public speaking, I think debate is a great way to improve, as well as hopefully encourage others to do the same and speak their mind.”
“My goal for this year is to grow the club’s impact by hosting two major debates in front of the entire school. We hope to inspire more students to join and create a culture where thoughtful discussion and respectful debate are a part of our school’s identity,” said Hossain.
Hossain said, “Our Debate Club helps students strengthen their research and analytical skills while mastering the art of crafting compelling, reasoned arguments. Members build real-world confidence and learn to think quickly on their feet during live discussions. These benefits will last far beyond just academics.”
“I think it’s super important for schools to have a Debate Club, because it serves as a great way to meet people who maybe think similarly to you as well as to maybe be enlightened to other world views. I also feel that it is a great way for people to gain conversational and speaking skills that can help you in other facets of life,” said Selleck.
“I joined the Debate Club, because I had friends who wanted to do it. I have always loved to debate people, and I like hearing other people’s opinions on different topics,” said Lopez.
Selleck said, “My main role in Debate Club is to connect with other members to try to get people involved with decisions and ideas as well as making it as welcoming as possible.”