Laila Kumar

Ayala’s Speech and Debate Club recently held an elementary debate tournament featuring multiple elementary schools across the district. The top 10 individual speakers are presented with their placements on stage.

After attending several competitions and tournaments, the Debate Club received the opportunity to host their very own on April 4 with the National Speech & Debate Association. Several primary schools within the district such as Country Springs Elementary, Hidden Trails Elementary, Rolling Ridge Elementary, Eagle Canyon Elementary, and Rhodes Elementary came to Ayala High School to participate in the meet.

Similar to the Chino Valley Education Parliamentary Debate Program (CVEPDP) Winter Classic, this debate round was also in the Parliamentary style, with the main topic regarding whether minors should be able to purchase and consume energy drinks. The teams of three supported the proposition or opposition side of this topic for the first two rounds, while the members of the Ayala Debate Club determined the winners.

Several of the club members who participated as judges in the previous debate recognized a great difference from being involved in a tournament at their home school versus being on a different campus. They were proud to reflect on their past experiences and be able to carry on what they learned to create more opportunities for their students.

“It’s almost ironic how I am following the pathway of the people who I look up to as my coaches,” Debate Club member Don Kumar (9) said. “I hope to continue to share such a sense of fulfillment.” 

Many students outside of the club were also able to participate and receive volunteer hours; even without debate experience, they had the opportunity to act as a judge, timer, or server of refreshments for the elementary students. Those who helped set up the tournament stayed after school to set up signs that directed the debaters to the multipurpose room, set up the concession stand, and prepare the judges for the rounds.

“It was great to be able to see all of the participants passionate about their arguments and working together to form a great competition,” Anuraag (Arya) Kulkarni (9) said.

The debates took place within the English, Math, and language quads, where the rooms were organized in clusters. Three desks on the left of the room were designated for the proposition side, while an identical triad on the right side was arranged for the opposition side. Between the contrasting teams was a “podium” for the speaker, followed by two desks in front of the podium for the judge and timer. 

The debate team organized this event in hopes that students would be inspired to pursue debate through their middle and high school years, eventually becoming coaches themselves. Though the club is an amazing extracurricular and overall experience, these factors cannot compare to the passion and gratification that the members of the debate club undergo during such events. 

“Being able to bond with the coaches and see how my students have been able to grow under my mentorship are some of the most fulfilling experiences of my life,” Chino High School Debate Club President Leila Maliki (10) said.

The debate club has grown tremendously from this experience, and hopes to continue spreading their enthusiasm to the future members of the team. Though it was the first time hosting a tournament at their home school, it definitely won’t be their last!