For the last 15 years, Moore County public and private middle school students have had the opportunity to showcase their research, writing, speech and critical thinking skills by participating in the Moore County Middle School Debate competition sponsored by the English Speaking Union- Sandhills Branch and the Rotary Club of Pinehurst. This year’s competition was held March 11, 2025 at Sandhills Community College.

Prior to the day of competition, up to 40, two-student teams begin researching and developing their pro/con positions on a topic selected by their teachers, aka debate coaches. Each year the topics are changed and all participants debate the same topic during the competition using the Public Forum Debate process. Each team is awarded points for its debate presentation and at the end of the day the team with the highest score is the champion. Participants receive medals; teams that place are awarded trophies; and, the champions also receive a scholarship to debate camp.

Members of ESU, the Rotary Club of Pinehurst and the League of Women Voters volunteer their time on the day of the debate to serve as judges. And, it has become a rewarding and enlightening opportunity for the judges as they have returned year after year to witness these future leaders undertake the debate process and win over parents, teachers, school board members and judges on a specific topic.

The Middle School Debate program builds literacy and multi-media research skills; fosters critical thinking; increases confidence and listening skills; and, strengthens civil discourse and engagement. The English Speaking Union-Sandhills Branch is proud to partner with the Rotary Club of Pinehurst to support a successful middle school debate program.

For more information about the Moore County Middle School Debate program, please contact Mary Lou Seigfried at mlseigfried@hotmail.com.

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