The West Geauga Schools are always looking for ways to help students develop and sometimes the students have innovative ideas that the schools are excited to implement.
WGMS Launches Debate Team
The West Geauga Schools are always looking for ways to help students develop and sometimes the students have innovative ideas that the schools are excited to implement.
Last year, middle school student Grace Ann Moore approached Superintendent Richard Markwardt about the possibility of creating a debate team. The idea was quickly approved and the program developed with the help of WGMS Principal Jim Kish and Grace’s parents.
Said Kish, “I worked with Grace and her parents to create a program. Her parents both have assisted in the coaching and judging at our competitions. There has been so much interest that we formed three separate debate teams.”
In October, the three teams began meeting each day to work on the current case to be debated. School board attorney Dan McIntyre volunteers his time each Tuesday to refine and expand their presentations.
To date, the teams have participated in two competitions at Kenston and Brecksville/Broadview Heights. With all the excitement, the team is looking forward to continuing its work and attend some debate camps prior to next year.
Debate team members include: Isaak Taiclet, Carmen Gomez-Punales, Jamie Smithingell, Kylie Cavasinni, Peter Wesen and Grace Ann Moore.
