The Lindblom debate team is on a mission to reclaim its former glory. Once a powerhouse program, it now struggles to maintain its numbers, hovering around just six students. However, co-captains Darius Rencher and Twila Bietila are determined to turn things around. With the support of a dedicated alumni circle and a passionate coach, Charles Clark, they are making strides. This season, they've already notched two wins across four tournaments and are aiming for the prestigious U.S. National Circuit competition. What makes this story particularly fascinating is the team's ability to bounce back from the pandemic's impact on participation. The debate team's resurgence raises a deeper question: How can schools and communities support student engagement in extracurricular activities during challenging times? In my opinion, the key to their success lies in the strong partnership between Rencher and Bietila, who bring complementary skills and a healthy dose of friendly rivalry to the table. Their dedication to each other and the sport is evident in their daily lunch routines and their willingness to go the extra mile, even at 2 a.m. This dynamic duo has earned the respect of their coach and the admiration of their peers, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a little encouragement and a lot of hard work to bring a team back from the brink. As the team looks to the future, they are focused on building a stronger roster and engaging more students. This involves a community effort, with flyering, social media posts, and information sessions. The team's success this year has been a rewarding experience, and they are grateful for the support they've received. The Lindblom debate team's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of strong leadership. It's a story that highlights the importance of nurturing student interests and providing the necessary resources to thrive. As the team continues to grow and evolve, it will be fascinating to see how they navigate the challenges of high school debate and what their future achievements might hold.
