INTERNATIONAL DEBATE CONTEST
Students from Union High School’s debate team have competed in two rounds of debates with students from around the world and are still in the running. The competition began with 243 teams — from 32 U.S. states and 21 countries — submitting essays affirming or negating the topic, “Resolved: Mass surveillance is not a justified method of governmental intelligence gathering.” Then 64 teams advanced to the next round, where Union High students, with their emailed essays, defeated a school from Czech Republic. In the last round, Union defeated a school from Clarks Summit, Pa. The next debate in March will determine which eight teams will travel, with all expenses paid, to the International Public Policy Finals in New York on May 2. The top place winner will receive a $10,000 grand prize.
Submissions: pauline.sipponen@columbian.com or 360-735-4524.
