John R. Park Debate Society Partners with Weschool Speech & Debate Association in China

The John R. Park Debate Society has been working with the Weschool Speech & Debate Association (WSDA) Southwest in China since November to build strong international debate ties with several Chinese high schools. The team provided debate workshops to help teach middle and high school students research and writing skills, debate techniques and practices, and how to analyze topics for national and international competitions.

Check out this video that showcases the lecture!

Additionally, the team hosted a workshop to help students learn more about the University of Utah. Working with Karen Marsh, Director of Student Success and Student Engagement for the College of Humanities, and Meghan Grandolfo, Deputy Director of Admissions, students learned about the international application process, the various support systems the University of Utah provides, and a peak at what student life looks like for U students.

Continuing the partnership with the WSDA, two members of the JRP will be traveling to China to teach debate for the WSDA summer programs. Averie Vockel, Assistant Director of Forensics, and Aubrie Powers, a returning senior and national and international finalist, will spend the month of July teaching debate fundamentals in Wuxi and Hangzhou. 

Weschool Debate Class