Students from Duran North Jr. High Debate Team participated in their first debate tournament on Oct. 27. The debate team is a first year program at the middle school. The team traveled to Samford University and won four out of the six debates they participated in.

The team faced several schools from around the area, and held their own against schools with more debate experience. The team defeated North Jefferson Middle School, Homewood Middle School, Bagley Middle School and Montessori Middle School.

“I think that all extra curricular activities are very important for our students,” Principal Richard Garris said. “I am incredibly excited about this debate team and how well they did.”

The purpose of all the school’s extra curricular activities is to enhance students’ futures. The debate team in particular is projected to have a lasting impact on participants.

“Debating helps them develop a set of skills that will continue to benefit them the rest of their lives,” Garris said. “It teaches them public speaking, study skills, and teaches them how to express their opinions.”

“I am very proud of how they did at the tournament,” Debate coach Michelle Shelton said. “Their results were very impressive.”

After the first tournament, Paige Edwards and Malea Benjamin were in the top 12 students in the league. As the season has progressed, Paige Edwards and Jonah Perry were in the league’s top 10 students.

The Duran North debate team is made up of 8th grade students. The team consists of Kylie McMichen (president), Jonah Perry (VP), Natalia Bastian, Blair McGouirk, Paige Edwards, Paige Fincher, Malea Benjamin, Lake Minor, DeOnta Bush, Jake Funderburg and Will Pittman.

The team’s high scorers were Paige Edwards, Malea Benjamin and Jonah Perry. Paige Edwards and Natalia Bastian both scored a perfect 30 in one of their debates.