Despite difficulties presented by Hurricane Sandy, the debate team hosted and earned high ranks at its annual competition. On Nov. 10, the debate team and its adviser, social studies teacher Ms. Renee McClean, hosted six schools and participated in this competition. Preparation for the event proved to be quite a task as a result of the damages inflicted by Hurricane Sandy.
“It was very difficult this time because school was cancelled and we were not allowed to have after school activities,” said Ms. McClean. “So, students had to meet at their houses or the public library for meetings and preparation.”
Usually, students gather materials in order to come up with an argument in two weeks. This time, debaters had approximately two days to look over the arguments while Ms. McClean organized the competition.
Although Ms. McClean organized the largest portion of the event, the students on the debate team helped. They looked up participating schools online to understand their status after the hurricane. The debate team also made sure that there was enough food and drinks for participating students to eat. Since the school was closed during the weekend, the students also had to speak to custodians and make sure specific rooms would not be locked.
“Due to this shortage of time, students were extremely intuitive.” says Ms. McClean.
In order to create the best outcome from the limited time, Ms. McClean paired older and more experienced students on the team with the younger, newer students.
The National Forensics League organized several resolutions, and students later voted on the topic. The official resolution concerned how American foreign policy in the Middle East undermines our national security.
After much work, the debate team was able to compete in the tournament. The tournament took place in classrooms left open specifically for this event and in the cafeteria.
The tournament was a success for the debate team as many students received high ranks. Junior Chloe Margulis and seniors Robert Gray and Michael Krellenstein placed first in their divisions. Sophomores Andy Varvaro and Sam Reisman received second place in their division. The sophomore team Jacob Bloch and Joshua Curtis, and solo sophomore Mathew Nicholson both placed seventh in their respective divisions.
Schreiber also placed first in the Varsity Lincoln Douglas Debate, and in the Varsity Public Forum. The team placed third in JV Public Forum and sixth in Novice Lincoln Douglass.
“It was so much fun to host the tournament again this year,” said sophomore and debate team member Sabina Unni. “We all did such a good job. I’m so excited to participate in this event next year!”