WHS Debate Team prepares for the annual Osterweis Debate Competition

by: Tea Hima and Kelly Scales

Wethersfield High School Debate Team participants are filled with nervousness and excitement as they prepare for the Osterweis Debate competition at Yale University on April 7, where they will face some of Connecticut's most fierce and challenging teams.

The WHS Debate Team has been around for decades and it is currently a member of the Connecticut Great High School Debate, which is sponsored by Civil First. Although the team has a small number of members, the WHS team is well known because they meet regularly in preparation for tournaments and for having sponsored a novice debate tournament in previous years.

Teams from around Connecticut participate in debate tournaments monthly and compete for different awards such as¨Best Speaker.” Team awards are based on how high each judge rat them and on how many points they are willing to give based on their presentation. Traditional monthly debates use different debate techniques than the ones at the Osterweis competition.

The traditional debate has three rounds, where participants debate the affirmative and negative side of the resolved, as well as a side of their choosing for the third round. The Osterweis Debate has four rounds and is in what is called a parliamentary format, where the two sides debated are the government and opposition. Much like the affirmative side in traditional debates, the government must support the motion, while the opposition opposes it.

If you enjoy debating political issues, then join the WHS Debate Team for their tournaments and the Osterweis Debate on April 7. Please contact Mr. Pryor at jpryor@wethersfield.me with any questions or to join the Debate Team.

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