Our school Triumphs in Debate Competition – Heading to Brussels!

 

On November 23rd, four teams representing our school participated in a highly competitive debate competition, one of which achieved a remarkable victory at ELTE Radnóti Miklós Gyakorló Iskola. Competing against several other talented teams, our school's debate squad, including Niczki-Ottó Mia, Pimm Olívia, and Balázs Áron Bendegúz, clinched first place, securing their spot in the prestigious Debating Skills - European Secondary School Student Debate Competition to be held in Brussels in Spring 2025. This win is not only a significant milestone for the team but also a proud moment for our entire school community as they prepare to represent Hungary against top young debaters from across Europe.

The competition featured a challenging format, with each team participating in two intense rounds, followed by a final debate that would determine the winner. Each team consisted of three members, all showcasing exceptional skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and the art of persuasion. The topics chosen for the debates were designed to spark thoughtful discussions and test the debaters' ability to tackle complex issues. The three topics were the following:

1.       European countries should establish quotas for young people in government.

2.       Globalization is killing local cultures.

3.       AI is a threat to human creativity.

Our team excelled in all three rounds, demonstrating not only deep knowledge of each subject but also the ability to think on their feet. The first debate on the discussion on AI and human creativity was a true test of their ability to predict the implications of technology, with our team making compelling arguments about the importance of nurturing human imagination in an increasingly automated world. In the second debate, which focused on how globalisation has affected local cultures, our students expertly balanced the advantages and disadvantages of globalization while arguing for the importance of maintaining regional customs. Finally, the discussion on establishing quotas for youth in government sparked a passionate exchange, with our team arguing for the importance of diverse representation in political decision-making.

The final round was particularly intense, with our team going head-to-head with AKG, a rather formidable opponent in the competition. The debate was fiercely contested, with both teams delivering strong performances. However, our students’ clear, well-organized arguments and sharp rebuttals ultimately led them to victory, securing the first-place finish.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "I have simply tried to do what seemed best each day, as each day came." This quote serves as a powerful reminder that success doesn't always come from grand gestures but from consistently doing our best, one day at a time. To all our students, let this be your motivation: every effort you put in, no matter how small, contributes to your growth and success. Keep striving to do your best, and the results will follow.

Our team’s success is a testament to the hard work, determination, and teamwork they’ve put in over the course of this competition. This achievement also reflects the unwavering support of their teacher, Szabó Emese, and peers, who have encouraged them every step of the way. As our team prepares for the Debating Skills - European Secondary School Student Debate Competition in Brussels, they will be facing some of Europe’s brightest young minds. It’s an exciting and rare opportunity for them to represent Hungary on an international stage. We have no doubt that they will continue to make us proud as they advance toward this next challenge.

Congratulations to our debate team on this outstanding victory! We look forward to following their journey in Brussels and beyond. May they continue to inspire us all with their courage, eloquence, and determination.

Abonyi Donát 10.T