High School Debate team holds Novice Tournament

Eric Palmer (left) helped judge the Oskaloosa High School Debate

Oskaloosa, Iowa- The Oskaloosa High School debate team held a novice tournament at Oskaloosa High School. This was the second year the team had hosted a tournament. Teams from Columbus Junction, Johnston, Oskaloosa, and Marshalltown all participated. Several area current and former lawyers and an area judge all served as debate judges in the tournament.

Like the previous year, two different types of debates were held, those being Public Forum and Lincoln Douglass.

In Public Forum debate, teams of two people debate an issue in alternating speeches. One team takes an affirmative side and one takes a negation side. In addition, there are three different crossfire (questioning) times.  The majority of the teams present were Public Forum teams. Both of Oskaloosa’s teams debated in Public Forum.

In Lincoln Douglass debate, a person debate one on one against an opposing school. The debates tend to focus on more philosophical and ethical issues. These teams tend to come in fewer numbers.

“Debate [went] really well. Especially with 7 hrs notice. We could have done better but I have to move on and get ready for Congress,” said junior Bob Leonard.

Leonard had to debate today because of an illness with another debate member.

This year’s debate team members are Stephanie Smith, Jordan Fash, Matt Strong, Emma Kain, and Bob Leonard. The team is coached by High School Teacher Jessica Weinreich.