Central Valley’s Ace Debaters Exercise Powers Of Persuasion

Stepping to the podium, Dmitri Arbacauskas applied the ideas of philosopher John Rawls to explain why feminism supports equality between the sexes.

Rawls said people should consider the needs of the most disadvantaged person and provide equal opportunity for everyone, Arbacauskas argued.

It wasn’t a women’s rights conference.

It was Central Valley High School’s debate class, which recently was named leading chapter of the National Forensic League in Eastern Washington.

Last year, CV’s varsity debaters took first or second place in every tournament they attended, said coach Susan Dolan.

On Tuesday, students were just getting used to the topic they’ll debate for the next two months: whether feminism helps or hinders equality between the sexes. Only returning students, who are more familiar with the format, were required to prepare an argument. One by one, they cited philosophers and values which added to their stand.

Dolan commended Arbacauskas after his speech. “You spoke just like you would in a round,” she said. “Calmly, distinctly, persuasively.”

Students say the reason for the debate team’s continuing success is its focus on philosophy, ideals and values. The students are required to learn the teachings of numerous philosophers, including John Stuart Mill, Immanuel Kant, and Friedrich Nietzsche.

Other schools, said junior Meg Seipp, focus more on technique than on actual knowledge. “(They) try to teach you how to be sly when you debate,” she said.

Arbacauskas also gave Dolan credit. “She doesn’t act like a drill sergeant,” he said. “She puts it out and lets us learn what we want to.”

Since she took over the class four years ago, Dolan has focused on Lincoln Douglas debate, a one-on-one tournament, while other schools focused more on cross examination, in which two two-person teams face off.

Dolan focused on Lincoln Douglas because she wanted to force students to be more independent and think for themselves. “Two person debate leaves you entirely dependent on your partner,” she said. “The hardest thing is to stand up there by yourself, but once you do it, you feel a lot better.”

WV counselor to lead state organization

Mark Hamilton, a counselor at the Millwood Early Childhood Center in the West Valley School District recently was elected president of the Washington State Association of School Psychologists.

Hamilton, who has been with West Valley for three years, will preside over the 850-member organization for one year. Hamilton also has worked in Spokane School District 81, the White Pine School District in Troy, Idaho and the St. Maries School District in Idaho. He’s been a school psychologist since 1977.

“Very few officers come from Eastern Washington because the majority come from the other side of the mountains,” Hamilton said, adding that it will be nice to see Eastern Washington represented.

CV to hold fun run

Central Valley School District’s parent teacher organization will sponsor the 15th annual “Spook Sprint Fun Run” at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 15.

The three-mile course is open to all ages - walkers or runners. Check-in and late registration begins at noon at Terrace View Park at 24th and Blake.

Money raised will support CV’s PTA/PTSA council activities. For information, call 927-0095.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: Education Notebook is a regular feature of the Valley Voice. If you have news about an interesting program or activity at a Valley school or about the achievements of Valley students, teachers or school staff, please let us know. Write: Education Notebook, Valley Voice, E13208 Sprague, Spokane, WA 99216. Call: 927-2166. Fax: 927-2175.