DEBATE & PUBLIC SPEAKING INSTILL RESILIENCE, CRITICAL THINKING
By Carissa (Nikkel) Balcaen '02, Debate & Public Speaking Teacher
A resilient learner is the definition of a debater and public speaker. The young ladies in the competitive program spend numerous hours preparing a presentation, receiving feedback about how to improve, attending tournaments, and receiving additional constructive criticism, all the while developing collaborative skills in congratulating those who receive special awards. They continue to challenge themselves by repeating the process again and again.
Debaters and public speakers dare to reach a goal that is often elusive, and so they should be recognized for their perseverance, living, laughing, and learning throughout their journey.
In recognition of their participation in competitive debate and public speaking this term, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on the resilience and accomplishments of our competitive team. Please congratulate these students for their hard work and dedication to their craft. The growth of their individual abilities was exponential due to creativity, critical thinking, and reflection. They represented Manitoba and Balmoral Hall extremely well this year. Congratulations, BH girls!
Middle School
The following junior novice provincial debate participants were mentored by Rachel Bernhardt, Lauren Burns, Lindsay Cogan, Victoria Young, and Irina Znamirowski.
Megan Burns
Hannah Friesen
Samantha Lowe
Lucy MacDougall
Safiya Ratan
Dasha Zelentsova
Senior School
Rachel Bernhardt – Manitoba Delegate at National Debate and Public Speaking Championships
Munroop Bhandal – Manitoba Provincial Debate Participant, Blaikie Cup Participant
Lauren Burns – Hart House University Debate Tournament in Toronto, Quarter Finalist in the Junior Division at Donahoe Cup Halifax Tournament, 6th place team at Manitoba Provincial Debate Championships, Manitoba Delegate at Jr. National Debate Championships in Vancouver, Marian Cup Participant, 13th place individual at Jr. Douglas Campbell Provincial Public Speaking Tournament
Lindsay Cogan – Hart House University Debate Tournament in Toronto, Quarter Finalist in the Junior Division at Donahoe Cup Halifax Tournament, 6th place team at Manitoba Provincial Debate Championships, Manitoba Delegate at Jr. National Debate Championships in Vancouver, 9th place individual at Jr. Douglas Campbell Provincial Public Speaking Tournament, Debate Finalist at Jr. National Public Speaking Championships in Vancouver
Natasha Hofer – Hart House University Debate Tournament in Toronto, 1st Place in the Junior Division at Donahoe Cup Halifax Tournament, 5th place team at Manitoba Provincial Debate Championships, Manitoba Delegate at Jr. National Debate Championships in Vancouver
Grace Thomson – 6th place team at Manitoba Provincial Debate Championships, Manitoba Delegate at Jr. National Debate Championships in Vancouver
Victoria Young – Senior Provincial Debate Participant, Marian Cup Participant
Roulin Zhang – Senior Provincial Debate Participant, Marian Cup Participant
Irina Znamirowski – 1st Place in the Junior Division at Donahoe Cup Halifax Debate Tournament, 4th place individual at Jr. Douglas Campbell Provincial Public Speaking Tournament, Marian Cup Participant, Blaikie Cup Participant, 1st Place in Interpretive Reading at Jr. National Public Speaking Championships in Vancouver