Seeing accomplished debater Callan Foster acknowledged as team captain in the paper this morning, alongside news of our beloved Vashon High School Basketball team placing at State gives me pause to share a parent’s reflection on the value of competition, specifically in debate (Pirate of the Week, March 11).

Callan and her partner Aria Garrett’s performance this year continues VHS’ success, where a year ago this week at the Washington state tournament, Lili Stenn and Julia Zaglin were first-place champions in policy debate. Since debate is not a spectator sport, I’d like to share my observations after several years on the sidelines, as students and families consider elective choices at VHS for next fall.

Debate is one-stop shopping. It encompasses the myriad qualities educators speak of when they discuss the most desirable skills a student can develop: critical thinking, research, writing, public speaking, leadership and team camaraderie. The academic rigor and curiosity it cultivates is contagious.

Debate fosters a deep interest in vital current news and affairs. Students engage with an intellectually charged peer group. The shy ones become confident public speakers, the latent gifted student finds a voice. They all learn to research and articulate salient arguments, how to work as a team, and best of all, experience the exhilaration of being in a collegial community with a passion for learning.

It’s worth noting graduates of VHS’ debate program have buoyed their college applications, gaining excellent admissions and scholarships to some of the country’s finest universities.

Cheers and lots of luck to the VHS debate team at the state tournament this weekend at Gonzaga.

— Jil Stenn