Last week, Frenship’s speech and debate students competed at the Region 17 contest against other schools in the area. Frenship’s students shined at the competition with senior Drasti Patel, senior Braedon Kennedy, and sophomore Lula Biondi qualifying for the State tournament. Frenship’s Kelly Farmer will also serve as the State alternate. 

Congress is a competition that mirrors our own state and national congress. Students take on the role of senators and debate bills and resolutions that have been written by the students themselves. To qualify, the students had to compete in two three-hour sessions where they debated eight pieces of legislation. 

“Much like in the United States Congress, our students must make alliances with other representatives and advocate for the legislation they want passed,” said Speech and Debate Coach Rebekka Berryhill.  “One of my highlights was getting to see Drasti Patel convince a group of students to go with her preferred docket of the day over their teammate's docket.” 

To get to this point, Berryhill says the students have been working hard to learn the ins and outs of Congressional Debate. Earlier this year they attended a mock meet in Shallowater and before January they will compete in an extemporaneous speaking event to help prepare them for the State Tournament. 

“I think there were moments for all our debaters when they were unsure if they could do this style of debate. This is the first year for all of them to compete in Congress,” said Berryhill. “They all put in the work and rose to the occasion. They encouraged each other and shared ideas freely, which led to the success of our team.” 

In January, the Frenship students will head to the Texas State Capitol where they will have to do research in affirmation and negations for 20 pieces of legislation.   

“They will represent Frenship and their Wolfforth constituents so well in January. I know that they will give it their all and have fun with congressional debate,” said Berryhill. 

Good luck, students!