Debate: to engage in argument or discussion.

Whether it’s with your siblings over who can eat the last cookie or with opposing schools over whether or not the welfare system should be reformed, debating is an important skill to possess and hone. This is exactly what the Bob Jones Debate team—or squad, if that is your preference—has done.

Over the first weekend in March, the debate team competed against other high school students at the Over the Mountain Rotary Classic held by Vestavia Hills. Through use of wits and weeks worth of research and practice, teams made up of Kyle Campbell (senior), Aditya Mathur (freshman), Chauncey Scales (senior), and Armon Mobashar (freshman) asserted and argued for their resolution: On balance, the rise of China is beneficial to the interests of the United States.

After five preliminary rounds in the novice public forum—a form of competition in which you have to debate in a manner that is understandable to the common citizen—the team of Campbell and Mathur prevailed in four, and moved on to the elimination rounds, finally securing first place for the Bob Jones High School debate team. Also, Campbell received third place in individual speaker points.

“I’m so proud of our team this year,” commented team sponser Ms. Bergeson. “Let’s make some space in the trophy cabinet for the Debate Team!”