Welcome to the Hopkins High School Debate Team Home Page. Here at Hopkins, our goal is to create an educationally and competitively successful debate team. Our core approach to achieving these goals is to focus on the development of rigorous and critical thinking, and to foster a team culture based on thoughtfulness and respect. Students who participate in high school debate benefit tremendously. Debate teaches critical thinking, research and writing skills, persuasive communication, and the ability to see both sides of important issues. It also fosters leadership, citizenship, and self-confidence. Many debate students go on to success at prestigious post-secondary institutions, successful careers, and a life of positive contributions to their community.

The goal of this site is to provide a medium of information and communication for anyone who wishes to know more about our team and our program. The Hopkins Debate Team has a rich and impressive history, and we are proud to carry on the tradition of excellence. Please visit our Team History Page to learn more about the impressive accomplishments of those who have debated for Hopkins over the years.

One of the central events of our season is the Hopkins Royal Cup, a large debate tournament with participants from across the region. Tournament dates, schedules, registration, and other important information can be found by following the appropriate link from the menu shown on the left side of the screen.

In the interest of open communication and active parent involvement in our students’ debate endeavors, we also provide an area specifically designed for parents. The “Parents Page” contains, among other things, important announcements, travel arrangements, information regarding opportunities to become involved by volunteering your time or talents, and a competition schedule. Through the parents page you can sign up to judge novice debates or to volunteer at the Royal Cup. Please consult this site regularly for announcements or in regard to any questions you may have.

An important educational tool for our team is the “Debaters Page”. In addition to providing important information for team members such as announcements and schedules, this area also features message boards within which open and active discussion can be shared for the benefit of each team member and coach. It also provides helpful links for the purposes of research or to engage in the debate community writ large.

Unfortunately for such a worthwhile activity, we share the requisite costs associated with any extra-curricular activity, including tournament fees, transportation and lodging, judging fees, etc. This means that we must supplement our budget with fundraising efforts. If you are interested in supporting this worthwhile activity with a tax-deductible donation, please consult the “Fundraising” page provided on this site. In this area you can also find information about the various fundraisers Hopkins High School Debate students, parents, and booster club are planning over the course of the year. Please help us continue to offer this excellent educational opportunity to Hopkins students.

This season Adam Torson will serve as the head coach for our team. We are joined this year by Jessica Bailey, who will serve as the primary coach of our novice and second-year debaters. Dennis Still will serve as the team’s fundraising coordinator.  Each member of our staff is committed to providing open communication with students, parents, alumni and the community as it helps us to facilitate the best possible environment in which to learn and compete. Please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions or concerns. Contact information can be found on the “Contact” page of this site.

Thank you for your interest in Hopkins High School Debate!