The Debate Stingers are here and ready to debate!   This year I get to train a new bunch of 4th graders at Shwab Elementary School this year.  They are an awesome group with a lot of potential.  They will compete in their first debate tournament on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Vanderbilt University at the Calhoun Building.  We'd love to have your support!
 
Friday was our school talent show, and I must admit I was not in the mood.  I knew the kids would have fun but I was simply tired.  A few of my students opened up with the Preamble.  They were extremely excited about it too.  One of my students in particular asked me earlier that day if I would perform his song with him(he wrote and arranged).  I gave him the typical grown-up response..."Oh no, you did so well.  I really believe you can do it.  I will be screaming for you like a crazed fan, which I promised all my students I would do and I did.  He approached the stage that night with guitar in hand, and I did as I promised..."Go Carter, You Rock!".  He began to sing and play and all of sudden I saw him slowly close his eyes, the music stopped, he broke down and cried.  Everything in me reached out to him.  I made the decision to walk on the stage to see if I could convince him to keep going.  There was no going back for him.  He told me he would think about going back up at the end.  I spoke with him and his mom and dad and he was pretty sure about not going back up.  "I'm just too nervous.", he stated.  I really wanted him to try again but I knew I couldn't make him.  I told some of his classmates to talk to him and try to convince him to go up again.  They even went as far as telling him they would go up with him.  IT WORKED!  They called his name again and my heart was filled with joy and appreciation for them all when I saw them pull together and support him...different cultures and personalities pulling together to help one another.  I was one happy teacher.  "My babes are the best.", is what I said to myself.  I hear one of their little BOLD voices say, "We want to thank our teach Ms. Hawthorne for always helping us.  We want her to join us and help sing this song."  I thought, "I am going to kill them...with extra homework that is."  I walked to the stage and got on a mic with 2 of my girls, one boy and another girl stood to the left of me.  I saw Carter put his mouth to the mic and start to sing and play his song..."Can you help me figure it out?"  I couldn't help but to stand there and watch him show his true colors.  This child loves music.  I tried to sing but I couldn't help but stand there and cry as I saw one of the most timid students I have ever taught own the room.  I will never forget that moment.  I remembered in that moment why I love what I do.  It's because when what I have done and what I have given to others is put to the fire, IT WILL LAST. I thank God that what I am passionate about will last. "Go Carter, You Really Rock!"
 
May 10th was our last debate.  We were able to use the Estes Kefauver Federal Courthouse downtown.  The students were so excited and they prepared a lot for this debate(see visual walk for practice footage).  They walked away with 14 Top Speaker Awards, as well as the Purple Team winning both rounds.  Kirkpatrick had 2 teams that won both rounds during this  debate.  Congrats to their d 

Again thanks so much for supporting the students during this part of their education journey.  I'm sure you will see their names in the bright lights someday...soon!


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Purple Team...Kiya, Alandos, Karla, and Hemmerson...They won both rounds during the championship!! I was very proud of them!
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Dr. Gibbs(assistant principal) with the students that took home medals and trophies!
 
Today I write this with a sense of accomplishment.  My 4th team has had their first debate and they did an excellent job!  I am so happy with the progress I am seeing with the team from the beginning of the year to date.  At this point they have no place to go but UP.  They are such positive students and are always so open to feedback on how to become better.  A huge thank you to my line sister, Tisa Beard for coming out tonight to be a guest judge! Oh, how I love DST!

Now time to prepare for our big meet on January 28th at Vanderbilt against Kirkpatrick.  I'm claiming a WIN for the Debate Warriors!  I'll look for you in the crowd.

Be sure to checkout the Visual Walk page for footage.

 
As I sit here still at school at 6:30pm, I know I have probably lost my mind.  Believe it or not, I'm not even tired simply because of the great research and discussions my students and I had during today's practice.  I think I learned as much as they did about Christopher Columbus...His son was one of the 1st slave traders starting back in 1505. He and his men cut off body parts of small children just to check the sharpness of their blades, yet we have streets, schools,  and holidays after this man.  Part of our state capital is named after him....I'll stop here, but I could go on and on.   One of my students said it best, "If he were alive today, he would be in jail or definitely on trial for the many murders he committed.  Instead we celebrate him like a hero."

I am still on cloud 9 after my time with them.  I am so excited to see and hear them debate this topic.  I hope to see you there on Thursday!

Now it's time for me to get this 2 mile day completed, get some dinner,  go to bed, and start all over again tomorrow.

Check back for footage from the October 27th Debate Day!
 
WOW!!! I feel totally overjoyed when I see my dreams coming to reality.  Today's meeting with Ms. Sandoz(Vanderbilt's Director of Debate) was amazing and very productive.  Just in case you are wondering, our first debate will be against Kirkpatrick Elementary School on January 28 2012, and Vanderbilt will be hosting it!  Yep...you are invited. If you would like more details, feel free to contact me on my contact page for details. Vanderbilt will be providing the awards and trophies, and I am hoping my children will be getting plenty of them.  They have also agreed to send volunteers from their debate team to work with my students on their practice days.

October 27, 2011 will be our first in house debate day.  They will be debating two resolutions 1.) The United States should not celebrate Christopher Columbus Day. This one should be really good!  2.) Students should be able to buy as many snacks from the lunchroom as they choose, as long as they have enough money. Let's just say this will be quite hilarious.  Look for pictures and video footage to come.

Now I'm off to enjoy my last day of Fall Break. Come back and see me again sometime.  I'll be sure to fill you in on how the October 27th debate goes....pray for us.

By the way, if you are interested in supporting our team in any way, contact me for details on how YOU can help.