VHSL Clerk of Congress

Qualified student congress parliamentarian and author of the VHSL Handbook on serving as a parliamentarian.

Can judge all Speech events and Student Congress in any capacity.

Can run tab room, extemp prep, and prepare tournament schematics.

LD: Convince me that your value is the better choice presented for the current debate topic. I value clear, persuasive delivery of organized and logical arguments presented in a respectful, professional manner.

PF: Convince me that your arguments on the current topic are stronger/more desirable than the opposing arguments. Present and support your arguments in a clear and organized manner and explain why/how they outweigh those of your opponents through direct clash. I value clear, persuasive delivery above speed and expect all debaters to be respectful and professional at all times.

Wheeler, Sandra sandra@richmondforum.org

I have been judging speech and debate for about 5 years but have no debate experience personally.

I run a program in my part of the country that invests in speech and debate programs at public middle and high schools with the goal of having competitive speech and debate teams at all of our region's middle and high schools by 2025.

As I have no personal experience with debate, I can get lost in progressive styles. I much prefer debate that is real world oriented, where the weight of the argument and thoroughness of the research are prioritized. I work hard to be impartial and check my own bias. Personal politics shouldn't be dragged into the debate room.

Congress is probably my favorite style of debate. I place value on preparedness, ability to speak extemporaneously effectively, moving the debate forward instead of rehashing arguments, and getting legislation to a vote! What matters is that students get ample experience speaking, thinking on their feet, and learning to be persuasive to peers. Persuasiveness may be my favorite. Address your fellow congress people and senators by name, make eye contact, walk through the isles. Make it MEMORABLE, PROFOUND because we judges have to evaluate one million speeches and the run of the mill ones get boring.

I am excited to judge and learn from all who I have the honor to judge!