Speech and debate needs support

As the community of Whitefish struggles with city planning, let us not lose sight of the primary objective — community.

Let us consider the importance of community spirit. It is not just a matter of following the sports scores of the students from middle through high school — it is more than that.

Being concerned with the welfare and education of our youth and incorporating new members and their talents and abilities should always precede the concerns of developers and investment opportunities.

The speech and debate program at Whitefish High School is an excellent program. From the beginning of recorded history to today, the ability to speak, reason and debate has been the cornerstone of the development of civilization.

Speech and debate gives students the skills they will need to enter into the higher levels of education, the work place, relationships within their own family, the family they may make after they leave home, and even the ability to rationalize and speak to themselves.

Memorized public address is only one of many parts of speech and debate. Here, students memorize a famous speech, decipher the core point, add a personal interpretation and compete with their team mates against other schools in Montana and, eventually, as WHS has done lately, compete at the state tournament.

This program is available to anyone in ninth through 12th grade. It offers communication skills they will use everyday in every area of their life.

If you cannot represent yourself with your words, it is unlikely you will get or even know the kind of education and job you are best suited for.

If you are uncomfortable recognizing and having a voice of your own, how will you be able to express yourself in your life, in your relationships or your community?

Our competition in Whitefish is Dec. 9. Please offer your services as a judge to engage with these talented and bright students.

It is quite inspiring to watch high school-age youth develop into poised, articulate and confidant individuals. It is the light of the future.

Helen Hanson coaches speech and debate at Whitefish High School.