On Tuesday, Oct. 8, North Forsyth’s first debate of the year was held. The club is relatively new to North and follows a different format. Due to its nature as a club, rather than as a formal team, the rules are more open in order to offer an introduction to debate. Each meeting follows the same format to provide a uniform structure to the students.

First, both the affirmative side and the opposing side present their main arguments. Then, one person on each side has the opportunity to provide further information and answer any questions asked at the opening of the debate. 

Both sides then have the opportunity to prepare their rebuttals, where they refute the opposing arguments. This process is repeated until all team members have had the opportunity to present, and then both teams respectfully thank each other.

This month, the Debate Club’s topic is whether or not standardized testing, like the Georgia Milestones, should continue to be a tool used in American schools, and both sides presented strong arguments. The affirmative side argued that standardized testing offers an objective way to measure student achievement and benchmarks, while the opposing team argued that standardized testing is a stressful and inadequate way to measure student worth.

While both teams gave their best, ultimately only one team won: the opposing team. The opposing team had a total of 25 points, while the affirmative team had 23. While it may seem like it was close, in reality, all ten judges voted in favor of the opposing team winning. 

Kaitlyn Vera, president of the Debate Club, reflects on the meeting. “It was clear that there was passion there.” She notes how everyone took the debate seriously and how proud she is of everyone who participated.

Debate Club members were also proud of the results. Sophomore Reagan Hudgin offers, “I think I had good confidence.” Confidence is key in a debate, and Hudgin nailed it in his opening, closing and rebuttal.

In the future, topics for Debate Club are most likely going to escalate. This month’s topic was intentionally less controversial, so it could serve as an introduction. Regarding future topics, Hudgin says, “There’s a lot of things to look forward to in debate club.”

Vera also elaborates on the future. “It’s great to have something start up at North that so many people are passionate about.” This year is only the second year of Debate Club at North Forsyth, so there may be a few kinks to work out, but the following years have potential.

Debate Club typically meets twice a month, once to discuss topics and once for the actual debate. The first debate of the school year was a success from the perspective of both the officers and the members.