Sammi Carr's The Jaguars’ Spot column for Wed., Nov. 29, 2006

The Art of ... Please Daddy Can I Have a Pony?

Debating has been called “the art of persuasion.” For example, this very week I was trying to persuade my parents to “pony” up for a new notebook computer for me for Christmas. As the acknowledge master of the art, I’m good but, if think you need a little brushing up on your own skills, consider joining VCHS Debate Club.

This week I had an interview with ... don’t worry, it’s NOT an interview with myself again! ... the chairman of the VCHS Debate Club, Joscha Dolan. While this is Mr. Dolan’s second year as an English teacher at the High School, it’s his first year chairing the debate club. That’s because, according to him, there WAS no debating club last year–or any year before that since recorded history began!

“I’m fascinated with the art of persuasion,” said Mr. Dolan when I talked with him Monday. “Clearly if it’s important enough for Aristotle to develop theories on rhetoric we still abide by today, it’s worth checking out.”

Mr. Dolan continued, “At the moment, the students compete against each other, but I’m trying to organize meets with other schools so we can get some real competition going.” The club covers topics on a local to national level. So far, there have only been two debates: one about the non-privileged list (the list you get on if you break a school rule). The second was about the death penalty (which I guess you could call the ultimate non-privilege list).

“I let them choose the topics just so long as it’s not overly controversial for this community’s values,” he said. “There’s plenty we can talk about without causing a lot of fuss.” He added, “By-the-way, parents are always welcome to watch our lunchtime debates, if they can make it.”

Mr. Dolan describes himself as a “hands-off” kind of teacher, preferring to watch, listen and give feedback. “I don’t want to dictate the club’s tone,” he said.

Give Debate Club a try. You might really like it. PLUS, it looks great on college transcripts (hint, hint!). Meetings are every other Tuesday at lunch in room 300.

‘Tis the season to ... buy a red plant!:

FFA is selling poinsettias for $8.00 per plant. Place your order ASAP, because quantities are limited. I’m not kidding; they’re REALLY limited. Call the club’s advisor, Danielle Bauer, at 751-5500 for more information.

Here’s something I betcha didn’t know:

Last week’s canned food drive here at the High School is, well, in the can. Students brought in more than 600 tins of stuff (and almost none of it expired creamed spinach!) to give to the homeless over Thanksgiving break. It was such a smashing success a toy drive is beginning Dec. 4 to make Christmas brighter for needy tots. So if you missed out last time around, be sure to pick up a NEW toy and drop it off at the school office. The toy drive ends Dec. 15, so ... well, you know what to do!

Know something I don’t know? Catch me on campus or send me an e-mail at sammi@carrfamily.com.

See ya. Sam.