Why Debate?At Central High School, debate is an extracurricular activity, but it's so much more than that. We turn students into passionate scholars and advocates, compete with the most intelligent students across the state, and build a small but tight-knit community full of life-long friendships and connections.
Why should you consider debate? |
Debate expanded my worldview and equipped me with the ability to write and think critically, especially under pressure.
Debate was undoubtedly one of the most impactful high school extracurriculars that helped me in applying for and getting accepted to colleges.
-Allie, Central '23, Georgetown University '27
Interested in joining? Sign up here!
Find your voice. |
Find community. |
If you are already passionate about an issue or if you are just looking to learn more about the world, Central Debate will help discover and sharpen your voice and passion by introducing a diverse array of topics and ideas. Whether it's advocating for social justice, environmental sustainability, or international diplomacy, Central Debate provides a supportive space for you to explore your interests and develop meaningful connections with peers. By embracing the art of persuasion and critical thinking, participants emerge as empowered individuals ready to make a positive impact both within their community and on the world stage. Join Central Debate today and embark on a journey of self-discovery, advocacy, and personal growth!
Before I joined debate, I had a lot of opinions... Debate took those ideas and turned up the passion to 11. Now I can pop off about human rights any time! |
Debate isn't just arguing—it's about becoming part of a close-knit community that feels like family. From the very first meeting, you'll find yourself surrounded by supportive teammates who are committed to helping each other succeed. Whether you're brainstorming ideas, practicing speeches, or cheering each other on at competitions, the camaraderie and solidarity within Central Debate create bonds that last a lifetime. Beyond the debate rounds, you'll discover a network of friends who celebrate your victories, lift you up during challenges, and inspire you to reach new heights. Join Central Debate today and experience the warmth and unity of a community that feels like home.
Debate is filled with a lot of kind, smart people to learn and grow alongside. They make the early tournament wakeup calls bearable... |
Prep for college. |
Build your skills. |
Central Debate isn't just something to do after school--it's the best investment you can make in your future academic success. You'll develop critical thinking skills, improve your research abilities, and master the art of persuasive communication—qualities that colleges value highly! By participating in tournaments and engaging in rigorous intellectual discourse, you'll demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence and personal growth.
Moreover, your involvement in Central Debate showcases your ability to work collaboratively, think analytically, and thrive in high-pressure environments—attributes that set you apart on college applications. Whether you aspire to pursue a degree in law, medicine, technology, or any other field, Central Debate equips you with the skills and experiences to succeed in college and beyond. Join Central Debate today and unlock the doors to your academic future.
Debate teaches college writing and research skills in an environment that encourages mastery. After doing debate for 4 years, college-level research and writing feels familiar and routine. |
Central Debate isn't just about the competition—it's about gaining invaluable skills that make navigating school and life easier. As a Central debater, you'll hone your writing, research, and communication abilities, equipping you with powerful tools to excel in all your classes. Whether you're crafting a persuasive essay, dissecting complex concepts in science or history, or delivering a presentation with confidence, debate leverages competition to supercharge your skills faster than any class can. Moreover, the supportive environment within Central Debate provides a space to ask questions, seek guidance, and collaborate with peers, making challenging subjects more approachable and learning more enjoyable. By investing in your growth and development through Central Debate, you'll not only thrive academically but also gain the confidence and resilience to tackle any challenge that comes your way. Join Central Debate today and discover how it can transform your school experience for the better.
If I can give a five minute impromptu speech about government policy, I can order at McDonalds without feeling panicked! |
I used to be terrible at speeches and presentations, even to small groups of people. Now, teachers give me praise when I present!
-Ireland, Central '25
Compete against the best.Is school not challenging you? Central Debate will get you out of your comfort zone—it's about pushing yourself to new heights and competing against the best and brightest across Wisconsin and the country. As a member of Central Debate, you'll have the opportunity to test your skills and intellect in exhilarating tournaments that bring together top debaters from schools statewide. These competitions offer a thrilling arena to showcase your talents, challenge your limits, and demonstrate your ability to think on your feet. Whether you're engaging in intense policy discussions, delivering compelling arguments, or rebutting opponents' points with finesse, each tournament presents a chance to grow and evolve as a debater. The competitive spirit within Central Debate fuels motivation, fosters resilience, and instills a drive for excellence that extends beyond the debate round. Join Central Debate to embark on an exhilarating journey of personal and intellectual growth as you compete against the best students across Wisconsin and the nation.
|
Get scholarships to college.Central Debate is not all talk about college readiness. At the school, state, and national level, debate competition comes with opportunities to scholarships to college!
In honor of our late coach, Central Debate awards up to two seniors per year the Jim Sauer Debate Scholarship.
Many colleges and universities have competitive debate teams that offer scholarships and recruit students to participate in policy debate and other debate events. Join Central Debate to unlock your pathway to college! |
|
Join Speech & Debate--They did! |
To join Central Debate, sign up for email notifications on our Contact Page!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need prior experience/knowledge in order to join debate?
A: Nope! Central Debate is designed to take students who have no prior experience with debate, public speaking, or government policy, and turn them into experts. Our coaching staff will prepare you in practices for competition. Debaters competing for the first time compete in the "Novice" division against other first-year students. In your second year of competing, you graduate to Varsity debate. Many students at Central have won major awards in their first year of debate with no prior experience.
Q: When does the debate team meet/practice?
A: The debate team holds 3 practices in a full school week during the competitive season, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Debate practice runs from after school until 5pm. Debate meets in Room 304 at Central High School (Mr. Colburn's room).
Q: When does the debate team compete?
A; Most debate competitions are on the weekends. Most Wisconsin debate tournaments run Saturday. Because tournaments are all over Wisconsin, we often have to leave early in the morning, but the van rides are surprisingly fun. Central occasionally travels to regional tournaments outside of Wisconsin, these tournaments are overnight competitions--we leave Friday morning and return Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Q: When do I join/ how long is the debate season?
The Wisconsin debate season runs during the first semester--from September to January, usually culminating with the Wisconsin State Debate Tournament on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Central Debate traditionally recruits during the first two weeks of school, and if you express interest by mid-October, we can often get you up and competing in time for a successful season. We're always interested in recruiting for the next season, so even if it's too late for this year, contact us or stop by a practice and see what's going on, and we can put you on a contact list for next season!
Q: How much does it cost to compete on the debate team?
A: You don't need to pay to participate or compete with Central Debate. The school or fundraising covers the cost of entry fees and transportation. On some regional overnight trips, we sometimes ask families who can afford it to contribute to hotel fees, but no Central debater will ever be turned away due to lack of funds. Debaters usually pay for food on debate trips.
Q: Can I participate in debate alongside other extracurricular activities?
A: Yes! Although some sports and extracurriculars conflict with practice and competition times, we have successfully helped students balance every activity Central offers. Current Central debaters have also participated in gymnastics, show choir, tennis, orchestra, band, soccer, robotics, art club, FEM club, GSA, aquaponics, student senate, jazz band, and more. If you have specific questions, reach out on the Contact Page or to [email protected].
Q: How much work is competing for the debate team?
A: It's up to you. Debaters can choose their commitment level. The number of tournaments you attend is up to you. Debate is a competitive activity, so if you want to compete at the top level, putting lots of hard work into debate can pay off. If you want to hang out and have a good time, you're very welcome to do so!
Q: The topic sounds boring. What if I’m not interested in it?
A: The resolution is just a starting point. There are many subtopics within the broad resolution that students can choose to pursue, from politics to legal issues, to radical activism and philosophy. Students can almost always find arguments that inspire them.
Q: Is it too late for me to join the debate team?
A: Our competitive season runs from September to January, and our traditional recruiting push runs through the end of September. We are certainly open to people joining the team after that--first-time debaters who joined the team in October and even early November have still qualified to State Debate. If you become interested after that time, please still contact us! We are always building a contact list for the next season! And we absolutely take new debaters at any stage in high school--juniors and seniors joining the debate team for the first time have been some of our most successful debaters!
Q: How do I join the debate team?
A: Reach out to us via email or our contact page, or just show up to Room 304 after school on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday during the season, or Monday after school during the offseason!
A: Nope! Central Debate is designed to take students who have no prior experience with debate, public speaking, or government policy, and turn them into experts. Our coaching staff will prepare you in practices for competition. Debaters competing for the first time compete in the "Novice" division against other first-year students. In your second year of competing, you graduate to Varsity debate. Many students at Central have won major awards in their first year of debate with no prior experience.
Q: When does the debate team meet/practice?
A: The debate team holds 3 practices in a full school week during the competitive season, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Debate practice runs from after school until 5pm. Debate meets in Room 304 at Central High School (Mr. Colburn's room).
Q: When does the debate team compete?
A; Most debate competitions are on the weekends. Most Wisconsin debate tournaments run Saturday. Because tournaments are all over Wisconsin, we often have to leave early in the morning, but the van rides are surprisingly fun. Central occasionally travels to regional tournaments outside of Wisconsin, these tournaments are overnight competitions--we leave Friday morning and return Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Q: When do I join/ how long is the debate season?
The Wisconsin debate season runs during the first semester--from September to January, usually culminating with the Wisconsin State Debate Tournament on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Central Debate traditionally recruits during the first two weeks of school, and if you express interest by mid-October, we can often get you up and competing in time for a successful season. We're always interested in recruiting for the next season, so even if it's too late for this year, contact us or stop by a practice and see what's going on, and we can put you on a contact list for next season!
Q: How much does it cost to compete on the debate team?
A: You don't need to pay to participate or compete with Central Debate. The school or fundraising covers the cost of entry fees and transportation. On some regional overnight trips, we sometimes ask families who can afford it to contribute to hotel fees, but no Central debater will ever be turned away due to lack of funds. Debaters usually pay for food on debate trips.
Q: Can I participate in debate alongside other extracurricular activities?
A: Yes! Although some sports and extracurriculars conflict with practice and competition times, we have successfully helped students balance every activity Central offers. Current Central debaters have also participated in gymnastics, show choir, tennis, orchestra, band, soccer, robotics, art club, FEM club, GSA, aquaponics, student senate, jazz band, and more. If you have specific questions, reach out on the Contact Page or to [email protected].
Q: How much work is competing for the debate team?
A: It's up to you. Debaters can choose their commitment level. The number of tournaments you attend is up to you. Debate is a competitive activity, so if you want to compete at the top level, putting lots of hard work into debate can pay off. If you want to hang out and have a good time, you're very welcome to do so!
Q: The topic sounds boring. What if I’m not interested in it?
A: The resolution is just a starting point. There are many subtopics within the broad resolution that students can choose to pursue, from politics to legal issues, to radical activism and philosophy. Students can almost always find arguments that inspire them.
Q: Is it too late for me to join the debate team?
A: Our competitive season runs from September to January, and our traditional recruiting push runs through the end of September. We are certainly open to people joining the team after that--first-time debaters who joined the team in October and even early November have still qualified to State Debate. If you become interested after that time, please still contact us! We are always building a contact list for the next season! And we absolutely take new debaters at any stage in high school--juniors and seniors joining the debate team for the first time have been some of our most successful debaters!
Q: How do I join the debate team?
A: Reach out to us via email or our contact page, or just show up to Room 304 after school on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday during the season, or Monday after school during the offseason!