Debate Team prepares for prosperous season
By: Kristina Johnson
One of Hudson High School’s newest teams is proving to be a force to be reckoned with as the season for UIL competitions is fast approaching. The Hudson Debate Team was created in 2014, coached by English teacher Mrs. Emily Meisel. Debate has had a positive impact on a number of students because, as debate team member Matthew Mitchell puts it, “Debate provides an open platform where people can intelligently discuss visions for the future.”
What exactly is debate? Although it is typically misconstrued in movies and television shows as a competition revolving around catty comments and meaningless arguments, it is actually a formal discussion on a particularly relevant topic or current controversial issue. Team member Parker Robbins states, “I’m not arguing, I’m simply explaining why I’m right.” Debate is an outlet for high school students to formally and professionally express their opinions and listen to those of other students. The skills learned through debate--including proficiency in public speaking and respect for opposing views--are both numerous and priceless. On top of that, Robbins says, “Debate is a fun and exhilarating activity that educates the mind.”
Hudson Debate is categorized into two separate categories: cross-examination (also known as Cross-X) and Lincoln-Douglas. In Cross-X debate, teams of two advocate for or against a resolution that typically calls for policy change by the United States federal government. As reported by Cross-X debater Lauren Slusher, “You argue policy and facts over moral and emotion.” The members of the Hudson Cross-X debate team are: Matthew Mitchell, senior, Mikah Slatter, senior, Tarek Zaher, senior, Kristen Ferrara, junior, Parker Robbins, junior, and Lauren Slusher, junior. In Lincoln-Douglas debate, individual competitors argue with heavy emphasis placed not on only logic, but also ethical values and philosophy. The members of the Hudson Lincoln-Douglas debate team are: Julia Campbell, junior, Renee George, junior, and Grayson Campbell, sophomore.
The Cross-X debate team set the bar high for the upcoming season in their most recent competition on January 9th. The team competed against Division 1A-4A schools from across Texas at Pine Tree High School in Longview. Seniors Matthew Mitchell and Tarek Zaher teamed up and finished 5th overall, representing the Hudson School District well. Coming up, both the Cross-X team and the Lincoln-Douglas team will be traveling to Palestine High School to compete on Friday, January 22nd. Good luck Hudson debaters!!
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
