On Dec. 2 the debate team traveled to Mississippi College for a two day tournament. The weekend was a success for the team as they propelled four members to final rounds. Also, senior Dedrick Tonsing won second place speaker of the tournament.
“It made me very happy to win it. I was surprised,” said Tonsing of his second speaker award of his three year debate career. He attributes his win to his relatable style of speaking.
“I try to bring the judge into the situation so they can fully comprehend,” he said.
Tonsing also stated that this tournament was unique from others as the resolutions up for debate were “real world topics.”
Junior Kristen Griffin also obtained success at Mississippi College. She advanced to the final round and competed for novice champion.
“It was pretty awesome, exciting, and stressful,” she said of the round.
On this tournament Griffin also made a discovery about her debating style.
“I have a passion when I debate. I can appeal to the judges emotion,” she said.
Also, to make it to the final round Griffin was required to compete against her fellow teammates.
“It was bittersweet. I did not want to prevent them from moving on but wanted to advance at the same time,” she said of the experience.
The weekend was also a fantastic learning experiecne for memebers of the team who traveled as judges.
Sophmore Jackson Matayo said of judging, “I got to witness varsity debaters. They showed me the right way to debate.”
Matayo enjoyed being able to help his teamates during preparation.
“The tournament was surprisingly fun. I would like to go again,” he said of the weekend.