CLUB MEETING 18th SEPTEMBER 2017

The Rotary Club hosted the Ian Murphy Memorial Debating Competition.

The debating competition was conceived by Rotarian Ian Murphy of the Rotary Club of Corryong and provides a platform for secondary school students in year 11 to develop debating skills by competing against other schools of District 9790.

The Rotary Club sponsor a team from St Mary of the Angels Secondary College, who in heat one defeated Notre Dame, and debated the topic "That sport should be compulsory in all schools" against a team from Marian College Myrtleford.

Adjudicators were David Geddes, John Watson from Numurkah and Bernard Soodyk from Myrtleford.

St Mary's debating the affirmative narrowly won in a close debate. St Mary's team was Jessica Kam,, Ayla Armstrong and Riley Wilson, supported by teacher Jabe Hando and several parents. The Marian College team was Erin Bourke, Alice Whitford, Louise Saric supported by Evan Jones and Vanessa Leonard from the Rotary Club of Myrtleford.

David Geddes in announcing the winner commented on the debaters. Jessica Kam opening for St Mary's clearly defined the topic, was precise and outlined the plan. Ayla Armstrong the second speaker started strong with good voice modulation. Riley Wilson challenged on rebuttal, summary was good and maintained good eye contact.

For Marian College Louise Saric concentrated too much on school and pre-school, outlined plan. Alice Whitford the second speaker had good voice modulation with good continuity. Erin the final speaker used the microphone the best, presentation excellent with debate well covered. David Geddes commented that all speakers from both teams tried to fit too much into the time they had.

Rotarian Jason Andrew, the chairman, concluded by thanking the students, teachers, parents and supporters in what was an excellent, and very positive debate.