Debate is more than standing in front of judges talking or arguing a point; it not only furthers students’ understanding of the world around them, but it builds confidence and connection.
At Rock Creek High School, debate, speech and forensics teacher Keith Miller has watched students grow through the challenges of debate. Although he took the job to teach at Riley County, he has grown a passion for the subject that helps students grow in surprising ways.
“It forces them to think in ways that a lot of times they never had to think before. They are under pressure having to answer questions off the top of their head and given a little amount of time,” Miller said.
Because of the desire to try harder things, Junior Eric Timm took debate as a way to challenge himself. Although Timm has grown new skills since his freshman year, there are still difficulties that come along with debate.
“Predicting what your opponent is going to do and what they’re going to run, as well as coming up with answers to what they’re going to end up running against you,” Timm said.
Inspired by Miller, Lucia Nippert is a junior who joined debate her freshman year after hearing Miller talk about the class in eighth grade. Nippert likes debate because she has always had an interest in researching and communication. Not only does Nippert get to live out her interests, she has been pushed out of her comfort zone in various ways.
“I have to go up and I have to give a speech to people for eight minutes or three minutes or five minutes,” Nippert said. “And then I’m around a lot of people I wouldn’t normally communicate with.”
Sophomore Layne Grimes originally became interested in debate because her older brother talked about enjoying the class. Grimes has thought about continuing a path with debate after high school, and hopes that others will give the activity a try.
“I recommend people try debating even if you’re not good at it, it’s always good to try something new. And you know, Mr. Miller’s a great teacher, so he’ll teach you a lot,” Grimes said.
