The Great Debate Competition

The Great Debate was held at Penn Trafford High School on October 21, 2024.  It's a county-wide event, and high school students from  Burrell, Franklin Regional, Penn Trafford, Southmoreland, and New Ken-Arnold competed against each other in a series of pro and con debates across a range of topics preselected by Mrs. Wukich, the Penn Trafford Gifted Coordinator, and her senior helpers.  Teams were made up of two students, and their arguments were evaluated by judges, who nominated winners based on their performance and strength of reasoning.  Students research their assigned topics to prepare for several weeks leading up to the event, but the catch is they didn't know which side of the argument (pro or con) they would be debating for until they arrive on the day of the event. 

Sophomores Journey Wenner and Will York competed against Penn Trafford, arguing that the United States should not establish a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement with the European Union.  They won their debate, focusing on the main points that the trade agreement would weaken the U.S. economy, proving it nearly impossible to negotiate in favor of the U.S., resulting in unemployment and the loss of small businesses.   Other topics include whether or not the United Nations should abolish permanent membership on its Security Council, whether or not collegiate student-athletes should be classified as employees of their educational institution, and whether or not the United States federal government should forgive all federal student loan debt.

Wenner said that the experience was "initially stressful, but overall it was fun and rewarding."  The opposing teams, judges, and organizers were respectful and understanding with one another, and the debate as a whole was enjoyable.  York agreed that the event was fun, but stressful, saying "it made me work my brain trying to figure out what was a good argument to use for and against my topic."  Both Wenner and York plan on competing again next year.

Writing Contributor:   Journey Wenner & William York

Photography Contributor:   Mrs. Aranyos