Where can you find a group of students arguing for the sake of building strong character, increasing confidence, and padding their resume? The debate team, of course.

While technically considered a club, the debate team is a competitive squad of students who are mastering forensic skills. A member of the National Forensic League, the team has records of star members and memorable competitions. It sounds like an engaging and enticing team, yet it is rarely recognized in the school community. So why do members join?

According to the International Debate Education Association, debate is a formal argument free of personal bias or insults. The debate topics range from abuse of illegal drugs to where a juvenile criminal should be placed in society. The topics are related to any issue that can be analyzed and are designed to teach students to be democratic and critical, a goal of the National Forensic League (NFL).

While the NFL may conjure up ideas about major-league athletes due to its acronym, it is actually an association of debate teams, forensics teams, and other speech-oriented clubs across America. With the purpose of promoting life skills connected to speech and communication, the NFL allows any high school team to join.

Coaches and members are awarded points in the NFL records for exceptional speeches or debates, which are added up to various degrees. With several students meriting degrees in the NFL, Northwest High School has an impressive record. Could this be what drives students to debate?

Not according to Anna Mariani, the co-captain of the NWHS debate team. "As a freshman, I felt that joining debate team was one way my voice could be heard and a way in which I could constructively apply my opinion to a given issue in an effective way," said Mariani. "Debating is an art form…there is a blank canvas waiting to be covered in philosophical thought and profound theory."

Mariani has been co-captain since her sophomore year. But the title isn’t what makes this team special for her. The frequent debates have made her comfortable with public speaking—a skill that has proven beneficial in all aspects of her life. "It is great not having to worry about combating my nerves when I am in front of small or large audiences!" exclaims Mariani.

Winning isn’t the main goal for the debate team, however. In a school where athletic teams give everything they have to defeat their opponents and win coveted titles, debate focuses on intrinsic motivation. Every member wants to succeed in debates, but their participation alone brings success in other areas—confidence in public speaking, for example.

Debaters frequently face unknown opponents and judges, prepared only with their own research on a topic that may have been unfamiliar until the assignment. But they do it for a reason. Debating brings confidence, sharpens social skills, and engages students in current issues. The team is the perfect forum for curious and opinionated minds. Debates are not about winning; they are about becoming a stronger person and facing a challenge.