The news site of Miami Palmetto Senior High School

Let’s Get Political: SSHS Hosts Debate

October 31, 2018

In light of the upcoming midterm elections on Nov. 6, the Social Science Honors Society (SSHS) hosted a student-run political debate. Three students presented the Republican side, three presented the Democratic side, and a table of four moderates divided them. The debate covered a range of pressing topics like the death penalty,  abortion and climate change.

“The purpose of the debate was to adress hot button political issues in a civil manner, given the fact that midterm elections are very controversial. It was very important to me to promote civil discourse,” SSHS sponsor Julianne Farkas said.

In a nation divided regarding politics, the members of SSHS strived to establish a welcoming and calm setting where both parties could discuss in a civil manner.

“I wanted people to be able to freely express their ideas without being called names or viewed in derogatory fashion for having a different point of view,” Farkas said.

Students struggled to find a seat at the debate because of how packed the media center was. The positive turnout showed the Palmetto students’ genuine interest in the problems surrounding the United States. The debaters came prepared with notes and each side received two minutes to present opening statements on each topic, followed by an open discussion between both parties and the moderates.

“I was really proud of the kids. There was a lot of research and time that was spent, and gathering background information. I think the kids brought up very important points and I also think that the kids were really in tuned to a lot of the political events going on,” Farkas said.

Due to the immense success of the debate, the honor society plans on continuing this tradition for years to come, creating the same civil environment they established on Tuesday. The club plans on improving their debates in the future.

“I think we need microphones and need to push the kids to do a little more research and articulate their thoughts clearer, probably a little bit more rehearsal, not so much where it comes off as rehearsed,”  Farkas said.

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