Hackley Debaters Teach at Summer Debate Boot Camp

 Turnaround is an organization that provides social services, counseling and professional development support to schools that face extremely high rates of poverty.

Goldman Sachs agreed to fund a day of 'debate boot camp' to introduce debate to students and teachers from several Turnaround supported schools. The hope was that, if the event went well, Goldman Sachs would also fund permanent debate programs in participating schools. Speyer hosted the event but Hackley debaters helped shape the day.

The 10 Hackley debaters helped work with students to teach the fundamentals of debate, paired with student teams for a practice round of debates, and provided judging for the afternoon debates. Most significantly, two teams of Hackley debaters modeled a demonstration debate for the audience. Hackley MS students Hannah P., Matthew D., Ben O., Tucker W., Alex W., and Michael C. debated the topic "The US Should Pardon Edward Snowden" for an audience of about 80 MS students and their coaches and teachers. Rising 11th graders Karina F. and George W. judged the debate and helped out with judging in the afternoon.

Rising 6th graders Hannah O. and Kiri F. paired up with novice debaters to compete in the afternoon on the topic "Inflammatory Speech Should Not be Protected by the 1st Amendment." Coach Steve Fitzpatrick ran several workshops teachings the basic methods of debate and argumentation for the group. Overall, it was a fantastic day of Hackley students sharing their knowledge and expertise with novice debaters.