With one competition under its belt, Thomas Jefferson’s Debate Team is looking better than ever.
Artwork by Mia Noguiera
Twice each week, the Thomas Jefferson High School 22-member urban debate team gets together to perfect their arguments so it can come out on top in its tournaments and local competitions throughout the year.
TJ Teacher Wanneta Vann is one of the school’s tutors and provides help for Spartans, but also coaches debaters. The debate team has been up and running for three years and, when asked to be the teacher sponsor for the urban debate team, Vann did not hesitate. “When Mrs. Just asked me to take on the team, I told her, well, sure but I have no idea what I am doing, and like they say the rest is history,” Vann said.
On October 2, 2010, the debaters entered their first competition of the year. The DUDL Season Opener was held at Manual High School from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. At the competition, each member had one hour and thirty minutes to either argue for or against a topic. After the long day of debating, Thomas Jefferson was given 3rd place in the team category and many of the speakers were rewarded. “It’s really good that we got 3rd place in ‘team’ because that is based on the team’s size. We are finally bringing numbers. All the speakers got awards which was cool because we have a lot of new members who are catching on like nobody’s business,” Vann said with a proud smile.
The team spends all year working on the same topic. Each debater has to be able to argue either side of the topic or the policy. This year, the team picks one of six countries that has a large number of policemen and military men. Once the country is chosen, the team will begin by declaring whether or not they believe the police and military men should be taken out or stay. Another aspect of the topic is what actions should the federal government take when dealing with the troops in those countries.
The team’s next tournament will be held at Thomas Jefferson on November 12 and 13. The competition is also a great place for volunteers. Adults are needed to be the judges for the tournament and other students can volunteer to help with other needs. “This is a great chance for NHS members to get those extra hours in and support the team,” said Vann.
Throughout the year, the team will try to be in as many tournaments as possible. Debate Team Member, Sammie Erlacher is more than excited to make it to nationals. “I have heard the nationals will be somewhere really cool this year and it will be in May. I really want to go because it would be a blast. I’m going to work super hard, so hopefully I will make it.” The school’s debate team is one of twelve other schools that are in the league. At www.denverdebate.com, a schedule of the tournaments can be found.
The Thomas Jefferson debate team is already off to a great start and is growing in size, but would love to get more debaters. “It’s not as nerdy as people think it is; we get stereotyped a lot as the nerdy group. We are not nerdy at all and it is actually a lot of fun. If you like to talk a lot, this is the team for you. On top of that, Ms. Vann is a great coach and really funny. We always have a lot of fun,” says Erlacher.
To become part of the team, head down to room three where Vann is located and sign up!
