Members of the Vashon High School debate team earned top academic honors this year for their state-high cumulative GPA of 3.28.
And it’s not the first time. Vashon High School has won the state 1A academic award four of the last five years, said the team’s coach and teacher, Jim Dorsey.
The team competes at invitational tournaments in Washington and California each year, coming up against up to 100 other teams at one event.
Students on the debate team are bright, motivated and excellent arguers, said Vashon High School Principal Susan Hanson.
“I’m just incredibly proud of them,” she said. “They have done this year after year after year. They’re solid students and darn good debaters, too.”
MJ Hartwell, VHS career specialist and assistant debate coach, said the students who do well at debate have certain characteristics.
“To excel in debate, you need to be articulate, organized and able to think clearly, swiftly, meticulously and logically,” she said. “It is very competitive.”
There are three types of debate: individual, or “Lincoln-Douglas,” debate; policy debate and public forum. Vashon students compete in the first two categories.
Debate students seem to be social, passionate and articulate, if a visit to their classroom is any indication. Last week, students in debate took a break from poring over piles of paper and discussing issues vocally to share their feelings about the club that has brought them all together.
The activity has drawn them, some said, because it stands out from other high school classes and clubs.
“We get to hang out together, but also do hard work,” said Georgia Pearson. “We interact with others. It’s an academic club that’s really fun.”
Debate has taught her, she added, to argue better.
Zach Stackhouse concurred. Students who debate are passionate about proving their points and know how to win arguments, he said — a skill that’s helpful in all arenas of life.
“Debate has given me a voice in a way I haven’t had one before,” said Claire Bjerke. “It teaches you to be better at communicating.”
Several of the students said they enjoyed the competitive debate tournaments not only for the main event, but for the social aspect as well.
“I really like meeting new people and being in a peer group where we all have something in common,” said Emily Gripp. “I don’t do team sports, but with debate, I’ve been able to compete and travel.”
The Pirate debate team did well enough this season that four of its members — Claire Bjerke, Sayward Nelson, Iris Spring and Avery Russell — qualified to compete at the state debate tournament on Friday and Saturday, March 19 and 20, at the University of Puget Sound.
