By Olivia Augustine – News Editor

Debate Club is back up and running for the new school year.

The club has hopes of participating in competitions this year. The club is for anyone who is interested in learning how to debate topics. 

“Debate Club is a space for students to learn the rules of formal debate and have a space to discuss issues, including current events and issues that affect their lives,” advisor Mr. Evanko said.

Anyone is welcome to join the club even if they don’t want to compete. Debate Club meets on Tuesdays after school in Room 193.

“We want to compete in debate competitions, but we practice for a while before going to any,” senior president Shruti Simhadri said. “This is to make sure even new people without experience will feel confident at competitions.” 

Debate Club gives students the opportunity to talk to different people and debate topics of their interest. 

“I enjoy the debate club because it gives me the opportunity to have debates and conversations with other people who are just as passionate about the issues,” senior Finnegan Sclafani said. “It’s also a really interesting challenge when you have to argue for the side you don’t agree with or believe in. It forces you to really focus on the facts to create a strong argument, rather than your passion or opinion.”

Students who have been in the club for a few years have progressed well with public speaking. 

“I think what I enjoy about debate club the most is the fact that we have that space to practice our techniques when it comes to public speaking and debate because so many of us haven’t done it before,” junior Ikeoluwatomiwa Opayemi said. “It’s cool to see how as a club we’ve progressed over the years and improved in our skills to prepare for competitions this year.”