2006 Miracle Yearbook

Debat 'r Brandi Biggar's four years in debate 'or Nathan Washatka systematically has helped her "cultivate a lasting expands upon the points of his logical erest in politics and current events." argument during a competition. "Preparing students for life." One might think this an odd statement to be applied to team debate, but as coach Dr. Rebecca Sietman explained,"Debate gives students the opportunity to not only improve their critical thinking and speaking skills, but also allows them to engage the current issues facing us from different points of view. This helps to prepare students for life as they will have to deal with these issues each and every day." Cedarville University's parliamentary debate team was one in the making. Not only was it making a name for itself, but it was making students to be critical thinkers who will have the knowledge and ability to address the world head-on. This year was Dr. Sietman's third year leading the team, which participated in a total of six tournaments. They placed 2nd at Purdue and 1st at Western Kentucky University, Berea College, Hillsdale College, and the University of Notre Dame. At the National Parliamentary Debate Association, the largest national contest in the country, Cedarville was ranked number 14, a large improvement from the number 40 spot they occupied last year. Sophomore Mark Miller expressed his ideas about the debate team:"Debate is an awesome opportunity to use the gifts God has given me for His glory. I love the ability to use my mind to think critically about issues relevant to today, and debate gives me that opportunity. Debate is a great opportunity to show nonbelievers that being Christian doesn't mean you 'check your brain at the door.' I think it's great that the majority of our competitors are liberal non-Christians and that we can not only hold our own, but argue issues from a Christian point of view and challenge opposing ideas." ..k. Courtney Edmonds quietly confers with debate partner and fellow sophomore Mark Miller about their opposing team's logic. 'r S flai For