Debate may seem intimidating, but here at Dowling Catholic High School, Leo Klemm and Nora Romain speak very highly of the program. As presidents of the team, they believe that debate has shaped their experiences and their future endeavors.

An Environment of Learning

The debate team strives to teach, rather than simply compete. The mentorship Klemm received has specifically shaped the way he now guides the younger debaters on the team. “When I joined speech and debate, my mentors were Zach and Christopher. They didn’t sugarcoat things, but guided us, which inspired me to take on a leadership role myself,” Klemm mentions. Dowling debate is also ideal for skill development. Romain, for example, participated in debate during middle school and jumped back into it during her sophomore year. She sees the advantages she’s garnered from being a part of debate, stating, “Debate is excellent for improving speaking skills and understanding current events.” Klemm agrees, adding, “Public speaking is key in life, and debate gives you that practice in a friendly setting.” Both agree that debate has helped them grow their confidence, ultimately growing their character, which translates over to real-life scenarios. “If you can’t present your arguments well, no one is going to buy what you’re saying,” Klemm explains. You don’t always need to win, their coach tells them, but being able to express your views clearly and accurately is what’s important. “It’s a place where you can argue all you want, but in the end, you shake hands and you’re still friends after,” Klemm says.

Building a Strong Team

Regardless of grade level, debate is all about teamwork. Klemm and Romain work hard to create a positive relationship with each debate team member and encourage a collaborative workspace. “We have practice every week, and we also meet outside of practice a lot and do some team-building exercises,” Nora explains. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a senior or a sophomore or if we win or lose.” The debate team also works hard in outreach to younger debaters at the middle schools. Current team members often volunteer at the schools to help them prepare and, later, encourage them to join debate in high school. “We also coach at a few middle schools…We’re just trying to make sure we’ll have people who will be on our team and participate in the following years,” Klemm adds.

Tournament Time

In debate, preparation is key. In the last few years, the debate format has become more technical. “We’ve shifted more towards being up to date on everything and conducting our own research,” Klemm says. Romain mentions that sometimes the work for a tournament gets pushed until the week before, but it always gets done. The presidents also point out that the analyzing and understanding they do during their preparation is important not only for debate but also as a life skill. When it comes to a tournament, Romain explains the process, “You get your pairing first, which is about 30 minutes before a round. You do a coin flip to determine what side you’re on, and then the constructive speeches begin!”

________________________________________________________________________________________

For anyone considering joining debate, give it a try! It’s always better to try something out than wish you had. Klemm also mentions that debate “opens doors to scholarships, schools, and a plethora of opportunities.” Even if you aren’t seeking a career in law, the skills you obtain through debate are used in many fields.

Debate isn’t just arguing points; it’s about teamwork, adaptability, and preparation. Getting involved in debate can truly open many pathways that one may not know about. For Romain, Klemm, and their teammates, the collaboration and commitment to growing and learning together make debate a powerful experience, one that they are eager to show the next generation of debaters.