Champions think on their feet

Teacher Rebecca Felici with debating students Andrew Lawton, Iris Pirvu, Hanna, Sherridyn Forrest, Daniel Andrew and Travis Zimmerman.

KEYSBOROUGH students have triumphed in a David and Goliath debating battle.
Lighthouse Christian College has won the state Christian Schools Sports Network (CSSN) senior debating championships against larger and more experienced schools.
Principal Avril Howard said the students involved gained so much from experiencing and competing in a discipline that involved thinking on their feet and framing a whole perspective on a given topic -instead of the quick 80-character digital reply world they live in.
Year 9 student Sherridyn Forrest said preparing for a debate was always nerve-racking and took a lot of thought.
“But at the end of the day, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had,” she said.
“My team members, English teacher and I all grew as a whole and not only did we accomplish winning the championships, but also accomplished great teamwork, unity and respect towards other schools.”
Sherridyn said that debating had broadened her knowledge and developed her speaking skills.
“Whether we had won or not, we would have walked out ready and excited to be involved in debating next year,” she said.