Dressed in formal attire, over 70 Matadors rallied early on Saturday, Sept. 28 to host and compete in Congress 1 of the Golden Gate Speech Association. More than 600 students from various Bay Area high schools attended.
Congressional Debate is a simulation of the U.S. legislative process. Competitors deliver speeches for or against different bills and resolutions in a group setting. Students are scored on their research, argumentation, and delivery skills, in addition to their knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure.
At Miramonte’s Congress 1, newer students competed in the House while varsity-level debaters competed in the Senate. Within each division, debaters were divided into chambers usually consisting of 15 people. Groups of parents or hired judges scored the debaters within their chamber.
“Congress 1 is always the most fun tournament because it’s here at Miramonte and everyone shows up. There is a lot of team spirit,” sophomore Cailyn Chan said.
The first league tournament provides students of all levels the opportunity to display or discover their talent for Congress.
“Congress 1 was my first Congress tournament. I did a lot of debating last year with Public Forum at my former school in Texas,” sophomore Richy Zheng said. Zheng placed 1st in his chamber in the House. For new students (rookies) and returning students (veterans), in the Public Speaking class, the weeks leading up to the tournament were packed with student-led lectures and practice debates. Each ‘rookie’ is also mentored by a ‘veteran.’
“The buddy system is really helpful for ‘rookies’ to gain confidence with debating and public speaking. The younger kids get advice from the older kids and it helps them grow,” Congress captain Emma Wang said. The buddy system is designed to ease new students into the class and create an inclusive environment for all.
“A lot of the veterans helped me write my speeches. The Public Speaking and Debate team is a really strong community; that’s one reason why I joined the class in the first place,” junior and first-time debater June Ren said.
Congress 1 is the first of many Public Speaking and Debate tournaments throughout the year. In the coming weeks, the Mats will prepare for Individual Events 1 at James Logan High School on Oct. 19 followed by Congress 2 at San Ramon High School on Nov. 2.
“It was an honor to host the season opener,” Public Speaking and Debate teacher Kristen Plant said. “It makes me so excited not only about the competitive trajectory of our team, but also that we’ve got compassionate and supportive students.”
