Debate Club Takes on Topic of Military Service

​Chestnut Ridge Academy’s Debate Club participated in an end of semester debate on December 7, 2020. The topic of the debate was “All US citizens should serve in the military for one year when they are 18 years old.” Arguments for the affirmative and the negative were given. Affirmative arguments included giving our country an advantage if we were ever attacked by a foreign enemy, creating healthier citizens by putting everyone through boot camp, and teaching young adults responsibility. The Negative arguments cited the 13th Amendment of the US constitution, as well as tax increases to support such an endeavor, and long term psychological effects that could have an impact on society as a whole. The final resolution for the debate was for the Negative.
“Debate is a good exercise in public speaking and critical thinking skills” said Patti Hunt, Founder of Chestnut Ridge Academy and Debate Club coach. “Students are challenged to think and prepare arguments for a given topic. Sometimes they may not agree with a topic, but will have to argue for it with poise and integrity.”  When students were asked what they feel they have gained from being part of the Debate Club, Kaitlyn Lyon said she learned how to use resources other than Google to do research. Harold Canada said, “I believe I gained the ability to speak publicly without nervousness.” He went on to add, “I was truly able to learn the ability to argue a topic with respect and without it becoming a heated argument full of yelling.” The judges for the evening were Robyn Arnold, Brittany Maynard, and Carrie Robertson.
This is Chestnut Ridge Academy’s first year to sponsor a Debate Club and their goal is to participate in a Mock Trial in the spring.
Debate Club members who participated in the debate were – Affirmative Team: Kylie Laverghetta, Shannon Jean, Alden Golden, Timothy Lyon and Harold Canada. Negative Team: Garett Golden, Sarah Dye, Tessa Miller, David Owen, and Kaitlyn Lyon.