Middle school debate season finishes, for most

By Margarita Morales
Published March 25, 2011

NEWARK, NJ - Not many students in the country can say they represent their school's debate team. But from November to March, Newark's middle school students are afforded the opportunity to expand their knowledge and compete on an intellectual level in five debate tournaments. The March 19th middle school tournament at First Ave Elementary was the result of a school year's worth of effort to promote educational excellence and expand the program.

"The league has really grown this year, with 10 new coaches and two new schools," Diaz said. "This shows the support of principals, who assigned new coaches when the coaches from last year left to new schools."

The league runs a highly supported program that is reliant on the coaches, alumni, and high school students who judge. Most of the judging pool is made up of high school debaters, many who were also former middle school debaters. The dedication and commitment these high school students put into the league with the support of the coaches and alumni is what helps keep these tournaments going. For this tournament 81 team participated with 64 team in beginner and 17 in the experienced division representing 19 schools.

In addition to the growth of the league is that of the students.

"The debaters seem more confident, and express themselves better than they had in the past," Diaz said. "Also, you can see the competitive fire in their faces when they are debating. I really hope they join a team when they enter high school as well."

In May, the top eight teams in the conference will be invited to debate in the Elite Eight Tournament. Additionally, eight grade students will have the option of continuing their debate career by joining one of the high school debate teams.