Four Wins For Woodridge’s Debate Team

Woodridge’s debate team from left to right: Marcellus Peters-Jackson, Kayla Adames, Coach Weatherington, Christopher Sutherland and Paris Dozier

Story by Courtney Lyles. Photos courtesy of Woodridge FPCS Instagram. 

FEB. 11, 2020: Have you ever heard of or been a part of a debate team? Debate teams are made up of students who are given a topic, choose a side and then argue respectfully about their side against another team. The team that best argues for their side, wins. 

Here at Woodridge we have our very own debate team made up of some amazing 5th graders. On January 25, 2020 the debate team participated in the Washington Urban Debate League Winter Classic at DC International School, debating on a high school level against School Without Walls and Woodrow Wilson High School.

Debaters and their parents celebrate four wins

According to Paris Dozier and Marcellus Peters-Jackson the topic for the debate was, “Should the US Continue to Sell Firearms?” An interview with Dozier revealed how she felt at competitions and at practice, “It’s bittersweet, ‘cause it’s like you’re nervous but at the same time excited. You’re kind of nervous about what's going to happen but excited to see if you win. At practice, the atmosphere is fun and relaxing.”

At the Winter Classic the Woodridge Debate Team split up into two groups of two debaters each. There were two rounds for each group, and each group won both rounds. That gave the Woodridge Debate Team a total of four wins! This is amazing news for the debate team, which was the youngest team at the competition. Woodridge is very proud of the debate team and we wish them luck during their National Qualifier competition in February!

Courtney Lyles is a 6th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge International School.