“FORENSICS: belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate; a lawyer’s forensic skills” Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Behind every good team is a set of strong leaders. The Debate Team Executive board is no exception. Led by Ms. Dylan Moses-Bennett, the Executive board is comprised entirely of females.

“I am ecstatic about this year’s executive board and team, in a debate world that is usually dominated and heavily influenced by males. It prides me to work so closely with an all-female executive board, full of talent, dedication, personality, and of course, open-mindedness and outspokenness” Bennett said.

The group ensures the strength of the team. Together, they make decisions, run meetings, and practice tournament success through constant effort and planning.

“With all the female energy, it’s easier to come to decisions involving bettering the team, and doing what’s best for the program itself,” Sydney Rose (12) said.

The all-female Board happened by accident, as each member was chosen through a typical democratic-style election. Though, the appearance of females among elected roles has been somewhat scarce in the past. Previously, the debate field was dominated by men, as law and political spheres were exclusively reserved for men. But times have changed, and in the twenty-first century, females have been given a voice.

“Considering that women, in the past, were excluded from debate events and not taken seriously in the community, I feel incredibly inspired being a part of an all-female board that is paving the way for the future,” Ally Boehning (12) said.

The first woman to be elected to the US Federal Government was Jeanette Rankin in 1922. Women didn’t become regular part of congressional elections until the 1980’s-1990’s. According to PBS, nineteen percent of the current US Congress are women. Representative Nancy Pelosi, from California, is the highest-ranking woman to ever enter the US political sphere as Speaker of the House. In our two-hundred and forty-two years as a country, with forty-three presidents now etched in our history, we have yet to see a woman become president.

“The world of speech and debate offers a safe-haven where young ladies are able to defy the stereotypes that society puts on them. For example, Women are sometimes frowned upon for being vocal, outspoken, assertive, dramatic, and argumentative. Speech and debate develops these skills and shows the impact that women have on our society both locally and globally,” Bennett said.

Debate ensures the future of politics will become more and more equal. The program encourages participation from the younger generations, and provides a platform for those who are usually left behind to have a voice.

The board is comprised of the President, Erin Pritchard (12), Vice-President, Sydney Rose, Secretary, Hannah Kuecker (10), Treasurer, Alexandra Boehning, Historian, Madison Buchanan (11), and the Debate Captain, Chloe Rytting (10).