MRHS first-time fast-talkers go National

By Heather Killen

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Some first-time fast-talkers from Middleton are headed to a national debate.

Three Grade 9 students from Middleton Regional High School are headed for the Canadian Junior High Nationals Debating Championships being held in Newfoundland May 8 through 12.

Lauren Perry, Kyla Shields, and Gabe Rosconi-Robertson won their spots on the seven-member provincial team after Middleton placed third in the regional championships that were held in Halifax on March 29.

This is the first year that Middleton Regional High School has entered a junior debating team into competition. The third place win was a strong first-time showing against more seasoned contenders.

The Halifax Grammar School led in the final round, followed by Whitney-Pier in second. David Stewart, teacher and coach for the senior debating team, is confident the juniors will continue to hold their own on the National level.

He maintains the toughest battles are waged closer to home, as his students always face their stiffest competition on the regional level. “Nova Scotia has some of the strongest debating teams in the country,” he said. “And I’m very proud of this group, they did a fantastic job.”

The three junior debaters, who were primarily coached by senior Anna Wedlock, squared off against the toughest teams from across the province.

Lauren Perry has been involved in the debating club since she was in Grade 7. She says what she enjoys most of all is the challenge of finding opposing points of view.

In fact all three say they enjoy debating to the point they don’t always agree with their own arguments. Each team in the national competition will have to formulate arguments supporting and rebutting topics. “They may not agree with what they are being asked to argue, but they still have to come up with reasons to support what they’re saying,” added David Stewart. “I’m naturally argumentative, so this is really fun,” said Kyla Sheilds. “I love to see both sides of an argument.”

As much as they enjoy formulating a good point, facing off against the stiffest competition is what offers the highest level of satisfaction, according to Gabe Rosconi-Robertson. “A lot of times it’s so hard because they are from such strong schools,” he said. “It’s what gives us bragging rights.” “We’re just a small school and it’s intimidating to face a group all dressed in ties and uniforms,” said Kyla Shields. “But then we did so well.”