Recently, the Debate Club hosted its first official meeting. Run by Mr. Jennings and myself, the club is designed to teach students how to debate effectively and argue their positions while maintaining professionalism and respect. The goal is not simply to “win” an argument, but to develop structured reasoning, persuasive speaking skills, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with opposing viewpoints.

The meeting began with an introduction to the topic, followed by the selection of students to participate in the debate. The topic chosen was whether there is fraud in Orthodox Jews’ usage of government benefits in Kiryat Yoel. Each side was required to submit a short written brief in advance. The brief included a clear claim, a counterclaim, and supporting evidence or resources. These briefs were submitted to both Mr. Jennings and me for review.

During the debate, each side was given one minute to present its primary claim and another minute to respond with a counterclaim. After both sides presented their arguments, the audience participated in a Q&A session, allowing for further clarification and deeper analysis of the issue. The meeting concluded with feedback and advice from Mr. Jennings, who offered constructive criticism to help students improve their argumentation and presentation skills.

The Debate Club meets every other Wednesday during lunch. In addition to helping students build public speaking and critical thinking abilities, participation in the club will be reflected on students’ transcripts and may contribute extra points toward their GPA. Colleges often value students who demonstrate initiative and involvement in academic extracurricular activities, making the Debate Club both an intellectually and academically beneficial opportunity.