Debate team members from Joe T. Robinson High School returned a full team to Arkansas Student Congress for the first time in many years, where they debated student-written bills of legislation in locations including the Arkansas State Capitol.
Over 150 different high-school and college students participated in the event, which entered its 56th year of competition.
The delegation consisted of the following students:
Morgan Smith - 12th Grade
Eli Eifling - 12th Grade
Ava Reed - 10th Grade
Gabbriel Brown - 9th Grade
Aaliyah Hegwood - 9th Grade
Wren McClellan - 9th Grade
Ashley Anderson - 9th Grade
Here are some highlights in our students' performance:
Mcclellan received two awards: an excellent rating in committee, and highest scoring team member from the school.
Hegwood also received two awards: an excellent rating in caucus and excellent rating in committee.
Eli Eifling, a bill to combat price gouging (Priority One Bill)
Ava Reed, a bill to lower legal voting age (Priority Three Bill)
Morgan Smith wrote a bill challenging community service requirements by high school students prior to graduation, it was voted down.
The team is now conducting preparations for Mock Trial and Ethics Bowl competitions. Parents and/or students can express in entering by emailing Mr. Patrick Laxson (plaxson7048@pcssd.org) or Mrs. Caitlin Peterson (cpeterson8779@pcssd.org)