On a recent Friday afternoon, nine Chapin students boarded a bus and made their way to New Haven, Connecticut, for the prestigious Yale Invitational. This high school debate tournament hosts hundreds of students from all over the country to participate in various public speaking competitions.
Chapin had four two-person teams participate in Public Forum Debate – at the Junior Varsity and Varsity levels – arguing whether the United States Federal Government should substantially increase its investment in high-speed rail.
Our students, who spent the last several weeks doing in-depth research about the topic, did a terrific job! After six preliminary rounds beginning on Friday night and going well into Saturday, one team, comprised of two Class 11 students, advanced to the elimination rounds.
Noting that this was the first in-person tournament in almost three years, Jim Shapiro, K-12 Speech & Debate Program Coordinator, commented, “The atmosphere was electric. The students were full of so much energy.”
The team ultimately placed 32nd out of 156 teams – an impressive feat on its own – but they also received a bid to attend the Tournament of Champions, one of the most esteemed and competitive debate competitions, held each spring in Kentucky. The Tournament uses a system in which placing high enough in certain nationally or regionally respected tournaments earns debaters a bid, with at least two bids needed to compete.
Additionally, one Class 12 student competed in the Extemporaneous Speaking event, (a current events-based speech that isn’t read or memorized) which hasn’t been done in Chapin’s Upper School (US) team in over 20 years.
“I’m incredibly proud of the close-knit comradery, efforts and energy of all nine students,” shared Mr. Shapiro. “They represented Chapin wonderfully!”
In addition to our robust US team, the interest and excitement has steadily increased in the Lower and Middle School divisions. Chapin launched a Middle School Speech and Debate team in the fall that quickly received over 110 student sign-ups. The group began practicing on September 19 in a location different than had been first identified: the Assembly Room, a space big enough to hold all the participating students!
“We’ve been exposing them to a lot of improv work,” Mr. Shapiro said, explaining that this is a fun way to keep students on their toes. In the next week, they will be introduced to the formal debate options.
Mr. Shapiro also noted the benefits of speech and debate that are accumulated despite whether students decide to participate in competitions and tournaments. In addition to becoming persuasive and confident public speakers, he said, “It enhances observation, eye contact when speaking, and sensory awareness. They build a relationship with the audience and their environment. It’s an important skill they will build upon throughout their lives.” Students have the opportunity to make friends in other grades, as well.
Needless to say, the launch of Chapin’s 2022-2023 speech and debate program has been a successful one. We look forward to seeing all that our students accomplish throughout the school year!