Empowering Minds Through Debate: Park City High School's Speech and Debate Journey

It’s not up for debate: Park City High School team earns second place in state competition

Undeniable Achievement: Park City High School Speech and Debate Team Secures Second Place in State Competition

PCHS Speech and Debate Team

In 2023, a remarkable tale of intellectual growth and community support unfolded around the dinner table of Elaine Murray’s home on Parleys Lane. Engaging conversations about pressing current affairs and thought-provoking topics like universal child care and outer space exploration reverberate within these walls, a testament to the household’s deep connection to the Park City High School speech and debate program. As Murray’s three sons found their voices through this program, their engagement sparked not only insightful discussions but also transformative changes in their lives and the lives of many others.

At the heart of this narrative lies the Omega Speech and Debate (OSD) program, led by dedicated high school senior Matthew Zhang. Despite facing the challenges of operating predominantly online during its first two years due to the lingering grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, the OSD program managed to conduct five impactful programs, reaching and nurturing the potential of over 100 students. This summer, Zhang and his team made a bold decision: to transition from virtual platforms to in-person programs, seeking to provide a richer and more immersive learning experience for the students.

During three intensive weeks in August, OSD hosted an in-person summer camp at Livingston’s Aquinas Academy. Over 60 students, ranging from 10th to 12th grades, eagerly participated, immersing themselves in six-hour daily sessions filled with dynamic discussions, skill-building exercises, and spirited debates. This marked a new pinnacle in participation for a single OSD program, a testament to the program’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and learning recovery.

While traditional education systems faced setbacks during the pandemic, OSD took a proactive stance. Through rigorous research and curated debate topics, students were empowered to bridge gaps in critical thinking, research, reading, writing, and public speaking skills. The OSD curriculum emerged as a potent antidote to the learning loss experienced by many students during the tumultuous times of remote learning.

“We’re actually looking at the arts as preventative care, something that we can actually start seeing some results [from] fairly soon in terms of behavioral health outcomes, behavioral change,” Moore says. “[We] are very committed to the idea that everything gets better when the community gets stronger, so we need to focus on what is creating unease in Boston communities. That’s where our focus should be and what role do artists have in addressing that.”

Students of the program tackled weighty subjects such as term limits for Supreme Court justices or the Artemis Accords, and their robust discussions spilled over into their daily lives, inspiring further conversations and igniting their passion for knowledge. Head coach Anna Williams, who also teaches English as a second language at the high school, emphasized how speech and debate encourage students to be unbiased, engage in civil discourse, and appreciate diverse perspectives.

Beyond the confines of the classroom, the transformative impact of speech and debate was evident in the lives of individual students. Murray’s sons found themselves not only engaging in stimulating conversations but also developing essential life skills. The program’s emphasis on structured argumentation, clear communication, and analytical thinking resonated deeply with them, shaping their trajectories in diverse fields from international affairs to radio broadcasting.

The journey of the Park City High School speech and debate team is a testament to the power of education and community support. The dedication of coaches like Anna Williams, the commitment of students to continuous improvement, and the unwavering advocacy of parents like Elaine Murray came together to create an environment where young minds flourish.

Park City High School Debate Live PC Give PC

The story is also one of resilience and determination, as the program navigated challenges ranging from turnover in coaching staff to funding constraints. Unlike some districts, Park City’s high school speech and debate club operate as an after-school program, relying heavily on funding from the Park City Education Foundation and external donations. Through the unwavering efforts of advocates like Murray, who organized successful fundraising campaigns, the program found the necessary resources to thrive and provide students with the invaluable opportunity to hone their intellectual prowess.

As the story of Park City High School’s speech and debate program continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder that education is not confined to textbooks and classrooms alone. Through thought-provoking discussions, persuasive arguments, and engaging discourse, students are empowered to become conscientious, articulate, and empathetic individuals who are well-prepared to navigate a complex and rapidly changing world. In the process, they become catalysts for change, inspiring others and leaving an indelible mark on their communities and beyond.

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