Debaters Do Battle

A supportive group of Rotarians and parents were in attendance to watch the final of the Dudley Debating Cup last Thursday evening between Orange High School and Kinross Wolaroi in the Greenhouse Function Room.

The debate, which is sponsored by Dudley Private Hospital and hosted by the Rotary Club of Orange North is an annual fixture on the club’s calendar.

Co-ordinator, Steve Jackson said the debate provided students with a voice on a range of topics and aided students in their critical-thinking skills.

Following the preliminary debates which were held at Molong Central School in early September both Kinross Wolaroi and Orange High successfully made it through to the final.

Accomplished adjudicator, Lin Eccleston indicated that during the course of the final there were some passionate arguments and rebuttals on both sides as the teams debated the statement, ‘That students have the right to take part in public protests during school hours’. After some consideration Lin Eccleston awarded the debate to Orange High School who had argued the negative case.

Apart from the Dudley Cup which they will hold for the next year, Orange High also received a cheque for $500-00 while runners-up Kinross Wolaroi received $250-00.

District Governor, John McKenzie from the Rotary Club of Orange North presented the cup and cheque to the winners and congratulated them on their outstanding debating skills while President Terry Hinchcliff presented all debaters with a certificate on behalf of the Rotary Club of Orange North.