This year, Azle’s debate team has grown to the largest numbers it has ever seen. Its members, old and new, are eager to succeed and compete more than ever, with a promising season before them.
Senior Grayson Allen, debate president and 4-year team veteran, has been heavily involved with the club, almost since its inception.
“We’re a young club,” Allen said. “We started small with just a couple of students, but every year, we’ve gotten bigger and bigger, better and better.”
This march toward improvement owes itself to the team’s atmosphere and culture. As junior Will Stroud, a new team member puts it, “Everyone supports each other. There’s no arguing or competition between us. Everyone is trying to do the best that they can, and as a group, be wonderful. It’s a wonderful atmosphere to work in.”
This culture of friendly cooperation lets newer team members settle in and learn quickly—vitally important with how many newer people have joined the team in recent years.
“There’s a level of respect you can get just right off the bat,” Stroud said. “You’re immediately held as important in the group. It’s great, and I know a lot of the other newer people feel the same, too.”
Debate Vice President junior Caleb Scoggins similarly attributed the team’s growth to its atmosphere.
“Since I joined as a freshman, we’ve grown a lot, even just in the last year,” Scoggins said. “I think the team’s vibe in general helps. It’s very professional but still fun. We’re all serious and dedicated to improve, and we get our work done, but we enjoy doing it. It makes it a great environment to work in.”
This newfound positive environment has encouraged the team to perform and succeed, with a noticeable drive fueling many members.
“There’s more of a drive to be successful, in everyone, more than there’s ever been before,” Allen said. “We’re all ready to compete and win. We’re all ready to go. In my 4 years here, I can really see the difference between the beginning and now; in terms of competition, participation, and teamwork.”
It’s not just debate’s president who feels confident in the team, however. Other members mentioned they all felt the same about their prospects in coming competitions, put best by sophomore Charles Schilkey.
“I feel like we’re moving in a really positive direction. We’re going places,” Schilkey said. “We’re definitely going to be able to send some people to state for the first time soon. We’re all excited.”
