Why Join Eastview Debate?

Perspectives from EVHS Alumni

 


“Debate shaped the way I think more than anything else I've done in the last eight years.  It taught me to formulate an argument, write persuasively, speak articulately, and think logically and critically.  I rely on the skills I learned in high school debate more than anything else I learned in high school or college.”

 

Allison Gilmore

Oxford University

Rhodes Scholar

Graduate, Washington Univ., summa cum laude

National Merit Finalist

 

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"Debate was my single most important experience in terms of developing critical thinking skills, confidence and close friendships".

 

Daniella Voysey

St. Olaf College

Valedictorian, class of 2005

National Merit Finalist

EVHS Scholar Artist of the Year (2005)

 

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"Debate forced me to question myself and the world around me. It caused me to critically think about what I believe in and who I am. I learned that the truth is there for those who are willing to search for it. I met many of my closest friends (at Eastview and other schools) through debate competition.  I wouldn't trade my time in debate at Eastview for anything, and I think everyone can get something out of it."

 

James Hohmann

Stanford University

2-time Extemp. Speaking National Champion

EVHS Social Studies Student of the Year (2005)

EVHS Fine Arts Student of the Year (2005)

National Forensic League Academic All-American

Eagle Scout

 

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“Debate was the Holy Grail of academic activities to me.  Any skill worth learning, you learn in debate.”

Jennifer Henderson

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Top Ten Graduate, Class of 2005

 

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"Debate was a wonderful community where commitment, high expectations, integrity and hard work was the norm.  My most successful and respected friends from Eastview were all part of the debate program."

 

 

Josh Stager

George Washington University

EVHS Scholar Artist of the Year (2002)

National Merit Scholar Commended

 

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“Debate taught me (or at least started teaching me) all of the skills that I needed for college, the law school entrance exam, and probably the rest of my life.  My work with the debate team has given me some of the most satisfying experiences that I have ever had.  I can think of no better way to find yourself, construct a valuable skill set, meet interesting people, and win an argument.”

 

Nick Napolitan

Columbia Law School

Graduate, Macalester College, Summa Cum Laude

 

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"EVHS debate was the most significant activity I participated in high school. It taught me how to research, analyze arguments, and organize my thoughts. In addition, debate got me interested in current events, and helped me decide my major in college (International Relations). I would not be where I am without debate."

 

Jeremiah Chung

Johns Hopkins University

EVHS Social Studies Student of the Year (2002)

 

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“Because of the nature of debate and due to excellent coaching, I acquired skills such as public speaking, research, critical thinking and reading, the ability to write, and to make good arguments. Debating at Eastview was one of the most beneficial academic experiences of my life.”

 

Masha Marchevsky

University of MN Law School

Graduate, Macalester College

EVHS Student of the Year in World Lang. (2000)

National Merit Scholar

 

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"To be a citizen of this world requires knowledge, critical aptitude, and the ability to articulate yourself precisely and persuasively.  Debate teaches you these things like no other activity.  Wherever you choose to take your talents, debate will make you more effective, and it’s also enormously fun.  Debate was easily my most rewarding experience from high school."

 

Justin Knoepfler

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

National Merit Finalist

 

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“Debate has been the single most enriching experience of my high school career. Through debate, I learned how to analyze, research, write, and speak confidently. Most importantly, debate taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. It is through debate that I have developed a deep interest in political science and international affairs, and to one day serve in government.”

Ishanaa Rambachan
St.Olaf College

EVHS English Student of the Year (2004)
EVHS Fine Arts Student of the Year (2004)

Extemporaneous Speaking National Champion
National Merit Commended Scholar

 

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“Debate not only provided tools that helped me succeed in school, it had a tremendous impact on how I see the world.  Debating taught me how to critically analyze national and world events, and the importance of citizens staying informed.”

 

Justin Fay

Graduate, University of Minnesota, Morris

UMM Scholar of the College (research award).

 

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“More than anything else I've done through my high school career, debate has developed in me a sense of confidence.  It has made me better able to gather my thoughts and express myself whether I'm presenting in front of larger groups, talking with friends or writing essays.” 

 

David DiPasquale

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

National Merit Commended

 

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"My experience in debate has not only given me an outstanding background in political science, philosophy, and economics in college; it has also allowed me to become a better person.”

 

Zach Prax

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

EVHS Fine Arts Student of the Year (2003)

 

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“Debate for me was an engaging community where heated arguments and fast-paced intellectual conversations were every day occurrences. The best part is that I made many friendships that I imagine will last throughout life.”

 

Jeff Walls

College: Carleton College

EVHS Social Students Student of the Year (2004)

National Merit Commended Scholar

 

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"Debate greatly improved my communication skills.  Whatever one chooses to get involved in after or during high school, it's extremely important to be able to express oneself intelligently and persuasively; debate gave me those abilities.  I use them every day at school and work and they have benefited me greatly."

 

Annika Carlson

Hope College, Holland MI

National Merit Commended

 

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“Debate for me proved to be a focus outside of Math and Science and a way for me to learn about the world and current events. I learned how to think on my feet, formulate an argument, and even do research. Finally, I formed many lasting friendships on the debate team and enjoyed my time even through the hardest work.”

 

Joseph Moschera
Harvey Mudd College (Claremont, California)
EVHS Science Student of the Year (2004)
National Merit Finalist
Eagle Scout