The THS Debate team has been preparing for competition since the summer months and has competed in four tournaments throughout the school year. The team specifically has focused on policy debate, which involves debaters teaming up in pairs, selecting and researching a current issue, and coming up with possible solutions.
Debate coach, Lonnie Guthrie said his students are working hard to be one of the best teams in the state.
“This is the hardest working team I have ever had the privilege to work with,” shared Guthrie. “Out of 18 competitors only three advanced and two of those were our students. They want to prove they deserve a seat at the table.”
Ory, who advanced to the state tournament last year, is looking forward to competing in person this year at the Capitol.
“With it being in person and in the capitol this time around, the entire experience will be a lot better,” said Ory. “Not only is speaking and debating in person just a far more enjoyable and competitive environment but making it to the capitol adds an enhancement the entire Congress event is made for. For now, I can only imagine debating as a mock representative in the Capitol building gives the closest feeling to an authentic representative, and maybe an idea of what I’d like to do later in life.”
Ory and Ramirez will compete in January at the State Capitol as they assume the roles of Congressmen and Congresswomen. The team is looking to bring medals back to Terrell High School.
“I am already looking forward to see which medals we bring home from state,” said Guthrie.