May 4, 2024 – The Anchorage Daily News reports that students from West High in Anchorage, Alaska, qualified for the final round in the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) debate competition in New York City.
Debate coach Michaela Kolerok said the West High group is the first team from Alaska to ever qualify to compete in the IPPF Finals.
The team of three began their venture in October by submitting a qualifying round essay on whether governments should implement universal basic income. Advancing from a field of more than 300 teams from 26 countries, West High moved on to the "Round of 64," receiving a position to defend on the topic through written rhetorical essays.
The paper reports that "Kolerok said being able to argue both sides of a topic is one of debate’s greatest benefits."
“It teaches you how to talk to people you do not agree with and how to understand somebody’s position even if you are not going to adopt it,” Kolerok said.
While West High was defeated in the quarterfinals in New York City, Kolerok said the team still considers the experience an overall success.
“They’re really proud and really excited,” she said. “It is the ultimate endorsement of all the work that they’ve put into the process. So they’re just really excited and really proud. And frankly, I’m really proud of them too. I think it’s great.”
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