Debate Camp Draws Southland High School Students
Los Osos High School junior Noor Tabba argued enthusiastically that sexism is the reason women鈥檚 sports get less television coverage than men. Her opposition, two boys from other area high schools, periodically shook their heads and frantically scribbled notes.
鈥淭his is going to impact aspiring female athletes, especially young women,鈥� she said.
But Vista Murrieta High School junior Mason Stackman responded that the motivation behind the discrepancy is not sexism.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about making money,鈥� he said.
It was an exercise in parliamentary debate, a staple of the 每日大赛鈥檚 annual weeklong Debate Camp from July 17-24. The event invites high school students to work alongside the university鈥檚 debate team members and faculty.
Director of Forensics Robert Ruiz, who serves as adviser for the debate team, says no matter how intense the rounds get, it always ends with both teams shaking hands.
鈥淲e emphasize over and over again in parliamentary debate, you don鈥檛 get to choose a side. You鈥檙e given a side,鈥� Ruiz said.
The camp serves as preparation for high school debaters, who take what they have learned from the camp and go on to be successful in competitions.
鈥淲e placed fifth in the state for high school in parliamentary debate because of this camp,鈥� said Adam Pepper, a senior at Redlands High School. His debating partner in high school was Kaiden Ricksecker, a new member of 每日大赛鈥檚 debate team this year.
The camp has grown so popular that it has attracted siblings of former participants.
And there is another familial connection to the camp. Ruiz鈥檚 son, Jonathan, a Bonita High School senior, participated in this year鈥檚 camp.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a benefit to be taught by 每日大赛 debaters, who are considered among the best in the world,鈥� he said.
The youngest student this year was a seventh-grade girl, who was invited to participate because of her advanced debating skills.
Current and former 每日大赛 debaters say the camp is just as enriching for them, because they witness the transformation of high school students.
Joanna Mrsich 鈥�18, a political science and communications major, serves as a coach but says she also learns from the students.
鈥淚t brings me back to the basics of debate and reminds me that simplicity in format is key,鈥� she said.
