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Pupils elevate the level of discourse

Since forming with 13 students at Lakewood High School three years ago, the public speaking team has grown to 30 members and matured.

Three years ago, they were the Dirty Dozen - a baker's dozen squad of 13 original members of the Lakewood High School Debate and Speech Team. Today the group has grown to more than 30 students interested in current events and public speaking, who compete in regional, state and national competitions.

Under the guidance of volunteer coach Margaret Emelson, the team recently competed at the Blue Key Tournament at the University of Florida and finished up a three-part series of debates as part of a national campaign to get the public involved in discussing serious issues.

On Thursday, members of the debate team participated in the last of three local events for The People Speak, a United Nations Foundation initiative supported by a nonpartisan coalition interested in fostering public discussion about serious national and foreign policy topics. Ron Overing and Chris Estoch each gave 5-minute persuasive speeches on "Building a Safer World: Defining the U.S.-U.N. Relationship for the 21st Century," at the Great Hall at Stetson University College of Law, which sponsored the debate.

Estoch spoke about ways the United States and the United Nations could work together to solve the problem of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction program. Overing spoke about re-examining terrorism - focusing not just on the effects, but also the causes - and using diplomacy to curb growing threats in the world today.

Fellow team members came out to show support and to help sign in guests and hand out programs. Several of the students said debating has helped them become more confident speakers.

"Public speaking is a great skill to have, no matter what you want to do with your life. Through debate, I have become less nervous in front of large crowds, and I speak more naturally," said Estoch, 17.

Overing, 18, said that debating has helped awaken his consciousness on a political and social level.

"I have become much more politically involved, and have become more knowledgeable about the world around me. When I began debating, I lacked many vital social skills, and couldn't successfully express my thoughts and ideas for the life of me. Now I am able to speak in front of crowds, such as the ones at The People Speak and not embarrass myself," Overing said.

Rachel Rolfe, 17, said that debating can help people overcome shyness, and can also improve their communication and writing skills. The senior, who specializes in public forum debate, said that the beauty of the exercise is having the opportunity to examine both sides of an issue.

"Debating helps you acknowledge the flaws in an argument. Nothing's perfect and this is a great way to come to grips with that. You can see the other side of an issue, even if you don't agree (with it)" she said.

Debate ultimately promotes the democratic process, Overing said.

"I believe that debate is good for the country as a whole, as it forces people to look at both sides of a subject, as well as gives them the ability to vocalize their opinions. As Thomas Jefferson said, "Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government,' " he said.

Estoch agreed that the free flow of ideas is an important first step in self-governance.

"I think awareness of current issues is crucial for you to be successful in politics and how our world is run. I want to be someone who makes a difference in this world, and I feel that debate, and sharing ideas, is the best way to accomplish that," said Estoch.

The extracurricular group depends on volunteers such as Emelson and parents Jean Flegiel and Felicia Johanson to keep the team going. They rely on donations and support from civic organizations such as the Breakfast Optimist Club to fund trips to tournaments.

"We're trying to take advantage of all the wonderful resources and we're trying as much as possible to interact with the community," Emelson said.

Emelson, who was a debate coach in southwest Pennsylvania for about 30 years, has seen a lot of progress in her students since the team's inception.

"These kids went out the first time wearing shorts and Hawaiian shirts. They now know what dress shoes are. They know that part of the package is dressing the part. They know that white socks with dress shoes is a big no-no, so they're learning social skills too," Emelson said.

Emelson said that maturation through their experiences on the debate team can serve them well later in life.

"We're trying to make them more ready for the world that needs people who are more broadly educated, that have a liberal arts background."

The Lakewood High School Debate and Speech Team will host the Lakewood Invitational All-Events Tournament from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the school, 1400 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. The event is free and open to the public. For information, call team coach Margaret Emelson at (727) 866-9437.