The Lincoln-Douglas Debate is part of the National Forensic League speech competitions where junior and senior students vie for the chance to advance to the national contest in the U.S.
Every year, four preliminary rounds are conducted before the winning competitors — can advance to the regional contest.
Friday’s competition saw the participation of five schools — Saipan International School, Marianas Baptist Academy, Calvary Christian Academy, Marianas High School and Saipan Southern High.
According to Zhi Liang, debate coordinator for the NFL and the NJFL, 26 students competed in the junior and senior divisions.
There were 13 competitors in the junior category of whom eight were from MBA and five from CCA.
For the senior category, two were from SSHS; four from MBA; one from MHS; and four from SIS.
Each contestant was given three rounds to argue affirmative or negative side of the resolve.
The top five debaters in each category were then chosen.
Liang said last year, there were only 13 participants and this year’s turnout was an indication of the program’s success.
“We started this year with the advanced involvement of the schools and getting 26 competitors for the first series is a very good start for us,” Liang told Variety.
Gold medals will be awarded to the students who will advance in June to the national contest in the states.
Three more debate rounds are scheduled in November, December and February and the regional contest is set for March.
Liang said through this competition, students learn how to be critical thinkers, resourceful and leaders.
The Lincoln-Douglas Debate started in 2000 for seventh to 12th graders.
One of this year’s junior debaters, Ashley Ayuyu of MBA, said it took her a month to put together all the facts and information.
“It is my belief that people should have liberty…people should make sacrifices,” she said.
She defended the affirmative side of the resolve.
Ayuyu, a first time participant, described the competition as “very exciting and challenging.”
“I want to try my best,” she said.
Zelena Palijo, a 10th grader from CCA, said she wanted to be among the top five debaters.
Like Ayuyu, she was more comfortable defending the affirmative side of the resolve as it jives with “my beliefs and philosophy.”
