The McClatchy debate team is in the best shape it’s been in a long time. Coach Stephen Goldberg has worked wonders with the program, elevating it to be one of the most consistently successful and well-respected competitors in the country.
McClatchy can boast several consecutive years of qualification to the Tournament of Champions, a dream few debaters are ever able to realize. In a community dominated almost exclusively by wealthy private schools, McClatchy has managed to maintain its excellency with little to no financial support. That is no small feat, and it’s only possible because of engaging and innovative fundraising like the public debate event that was held on Wednesday, October 23rd in McClatchy’s theatre.
After months of tedious planning and jumping through hoops, senior debater Abby Gray organized a public debate between three of McClatchy’s rising debate stars and some of the most important politicians in California.
Mayor Darrel Steinberg, Lieutenant Governor Elena Kounalakis, and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy faced off against Kate Tully, Eden Getahun, and Ethan Pham, three junior debaters. In a one-on-one format, the six participants sparred on gun control, impeachment, and the legitimacy of the electoral college.
However, the dialogue was not confined to the debaters. In a rapid-fire, town hall format, McClatchy families were given the opportunity to confront some of the most pressing issues facing our nation with some of the most connected people around.
Audience members were encouraged to ask questions to the debaters stimulating, conversations on a host of engaging issues, ranging from the second amendment to the upcoming US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.
Unsurprisingly, the event received rave reviews. “It actually seems like something important is happening,” one student told me, “and it’s refreshing!” All three special guests expressed their gratitude and willingness to participate in future events, comments which motivated Coach Goldberg to hold future public debate fundraisers.
The event earned over $2,500 for the McClatchy debate team, all of which will go towards traveling expenses and coaching to keep the squad successful. “It went really well,” Abby told me, “thanks so much to everyone who came out!”