New Club seeks greater attendance

Last year, a new program was introduced to the FC campus; the debate team. It began as just a club, familiarizing students with how to participate in a real life debate.

This year, the debate team has become an official class available for students to take. The team will compete against other Christian schools in tournaments hosted all over California.

Since the debate team is a new class offered, not many students have signed up so far. Debate teacher, Donn Rojeski, expressed the need for more students to join the team.

“The debate team is an official class this year and we need to make sure we have enough people to keep it that way,” Rojeski said. “In the class the students will be put through a fairly complex process to become good debaters. The first step they will take is learning about debate. They have to figure out what to do and when to do it. Second, they will be doing the research portion. The final step would be practical applications, meaning that they will discuss amongst each other, the pros and cons of what they are researching.”

Every year, a new debate subject is administered to the schools participating in the league. This year’s subject discusses whether or not the United States federal government should substantially reform its military policy towards foreign nations.

In many real life situations, possessing effective debate skills may come in handy. Rojeski stated what he believes students can gain from joining the team.

“Debating is great, because it prepares students in so many ways for any future social disputes they may be forced to face,” Rojeski said. “The objectives for the students in debate is academic excellence, critical thinking, effective communication, and because it is an all Christian school league, they get a nice spiritual component as well. Students who go through debate become excellent researchers. When they get into college and must write their term paper, I think you would find that a student who debated would be far more prepared than a student who didn’t.”

Rojeski is not the only one hoping to see more students join the team. Debate team member, Kathryn Damschen, emphasized the importance of other students joining.

“I think it is important for students to join debate, because it equips them with skills such as critical thinking and putting those thoughts into action in a formal way,” Damschen said. “So far, I have personally gained knowledge about current events and why it is necessary to stay informed about the world we live in. I hope more students consider joining debate. It’s a great class, and Mr. Rojeski is a fantastic teacher.”

If there are any aspiring lawyers on campus who enjoy the occasional light hearted banter or someone who is just seeking the challenge of overcoming a disputed subject, the debate team may be the class for you.

Any student who wishes to join the debate team should visit Michelle Warkentin in the academic advising office about how to join the class.

Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather. This writer can be reached via Twitter: @namoodnohj.

For more news articles, read the Aug. 18 article: Seniors prepare for retreat, look to grow closer.