John R. Park Debate Society Partners with Morningside Elementary School 

In February of 2025 the JRP established a partnership with Morningside Elementary in Holladay, Utah. Mrs. Welhouse, a fifth grade teacher at Morningside, reached out to the debate society as her students prepared for in class debates on the merits of AI in education. While students worked to refine their skills in presentation and argumentation structure, the debate society stepped in to offer in-class instruction and activities. Mrs. Welhouse explained that students were working on gaining an audience's attention and using evidence to support claims, skills crucial not only for debaters. Students worked with the debate society to unpack these concepts, before exercising the skills they learned through in class exercises. 

Director of Forensics, Dr. Jeannie Hunt, highlighted that this partnership emphasizes the society's commitment to outreach and fostering critical thinking in educational contexts. She, along with others who attended the programming at Morningside, were impressed by the students' willingness to learn and enthusiasm in participating in the debate activities. Assistant Director of Forensics, Averie Vockel, emphasized that this is not uncommon when working with young students as they are often eager to have their voices heard and debate encourages them to share.

The debate society is eager to continue working with Morningside in the future! 

If you or someone you know is interested in the JRP providing learning opportunities like this one, please reach out to the team's Public Outreach Manager and Assistant Director, Averie Vockel (averie.vockel@utah.edu).