The Chapel Hill High School Debate magnet program is reaching new heights with the help of
debate captain Alyssa Blacknall. Focused on building excitement for the program, the senior is working to engage younger students and spark interest in speech and debate long before they reach high school.
When Blacknall began at Chapel Hill High School, the Debate Magnet Program was brand new. Last year, she founded a Speech and Debate Club at Chapel Hill Middle school, where students meet once or twice a month to practice key skills through engaging games and activities.
Blacknall partnered with Tara Crabtree, a CHMS teacher, who serves as the club’s sponsor. She also recruited her debate teammates to help develop a curriculum that will allow the club to continue after she graduates. Through this work, Blacknall hopes to inspire middle school students to develop a passion for speech and debate so they arrive in high school confident and ready to use their voices.
“The project has encouraged me to be the change I want to see,” said Blacknall. “I love the idea that students can grow in their confidence and public speaking skills without having to travel for access.”