BEST Debate Reaches New Heights

Julia Lynch talks about debate, our community’s growth and the future

Since the earliest days of the BEST Foundation, the debate program has always felt a bit different. To some, different has been code for intimidating, difficult, or even outright scary. But, as time has passed and more and more students have stepped up to the podium, the true difference of debate has proven to be the program’s strength many times over.

BEST Debate has been the single outstanding miracle that has truly changed who I am

I was instantly inspired by the art of 'speaking with persuasion.' At present, I can proudly say that debating has been and still is my greatest passion.” – Maria Georgieva, Student Coach and Student Leader Alumna, Ruse

The Importance of Debate

At BEST, students have the opportunity to compete in a wide variety of events–all in English–that develop their language, presentation, and research skills. But one attribute that makes debate different is the balance required between preparation and on-the-spot thinking. During a two-day tournament, students will engage with at least 4 different topics, some of which are given in advance and others only one hour before the debate. Students are expected to prepare robust sets of well-researched arguments that they deploy during the hour-long contest.

In a debate round, two teams of three students parse out arguments on either side of an issue in a structured format and then an objective panel of judges decides the winning team. Regardless of the score sheet, students are sure to take away a lot from the experience. Yoana Dimitrova, a top competitor from Dobrich reflects, "What debating has taught me pretty much applies to my everyday life–I learned how to view an argument from different perspectives and therefore expanded my horizons.”

I'm one of the longest competing debaters in the organisation

My experience with debate in BEST has been overwhelmingly positive and, frankly, fundamental in shaping me as a person. I'm one of the longest competing debaters in the organisation—my first tournament was in 2018—and competition has been getting tougher and tougher with each year and each new team.”– Ekaterina Osipova, Student Coach and Debater, Varna

more accessible and popular than ever

On many fronts, the program has seen tremendous growth since BEST’s conception, particularly due to the support of the Bulgarian- American Fulbright Commission and the U.S. Embassy in Sofia. With generous grants from Fulbright, BEST hosted the Critical Inquiry and Debate Summer Camp in 2021 and 2022. During this week-long immersive experience, 30 students from across the country came together to develop and practice their skills under the direction of BEST staff and expert guest lecturers from the American University in Bulgaria and the American Debate Association.

The camp has been a game-changer, gathering many enthusiastic reactions and applications. Per top varsity debater Desislava Kyoseva, “Not only did camp spark interest throughout the whole community, but it also made the debate category more simple and accessible–something anyone could try out and become good at if they were only willing to put in some work.” This upcoming summer, BEST looks forward to welcoming students again and continuing the tradition.

Building on the foundation set at Summer Camp, BEST Debate Coordinator Julia Lynch introduced virtual seminars in Fall 2021 open to students, coaches, and judges throughout the school year. The hour-long events cover a wide range of topics, from introduction to debate to advanced skills and strategies to tournament-specific motions briefings. “Through the vast amount of incredibly useful seminars and the debate camp, the entire BEST debate community’s skill, immersion, and knowledge about debates has increased immensely,” reflects Student Leader Yanita Balusheva from Varna.

As a result of these initiatives as well as the tireless effort of school-based coaches, volunteer judges, and Student Leaders, both participation and quality in the debate category have increased dramatically. BEST had record-shattering participation numbers including having over 75 teams and 250 debaters entered in the 2022 Spring Regional tournaments alone, more than twice as many as in 2021.

International Debate Sets Stage for the Future

Furthermore, some of the most enthusiastic and experienced members of the BEST community have established themselves at the global level by competing in several international tournaments held online including in Slovenia, Qatar, and Zimbabwe. Through a competitive application and tryout process, 5 students were selected to compete in each tournament to test their skills at the next level, many of whom are featured in this article. Under the direction of Julia Lynch, BEST’s Tournament Policy Coordinator Morgan Rowe, and incoming Debate Program Coordinator Boris Pahomov, selected students underwent specialized weekly training and practice sessions to prepare for the competitions. Their successes, including against teams from Nigeria, Slovenia, and Lagos, have shown that BEST debaters are ready, willing, and able to rise to the challenge and hold their own against teams from around the world.

And the future only looks brighter: As debaters build their skills and confidence, they are motivated to serve as mentors and teachers to newer debaters. Kyoseva continued, “I feel it's my duty to pass what I’ve learned on as a way to thank BEST for what it's given me.” This sentiment radiates throughout the BEST community, breaking down the once seemingly-high barrier to entry that existed in the past.

Over the coming years, the community can expect continued fervor and innovation under the leadership of BEST alumni including incoming Debate Tournament Coordinator Tereza Todorova and Debate Program Coordinator Boris Pahomov. They plan to introduce even more opportunities to expand the BEST debate community and program offerings. In the upcoming year, those interested in the category can expect the inclusion of online debates with innovative new structures. As we look to the future, we are sure of one thing: BEST is committed to continuing to embrace the debate difference and to inspire and empower students to find and use their voices for good.

Applications for the 2023 Debate Summer Camp are now open. Incoming 9th-12th graders are welcome to apply. Students should submit an application by June 15 for consideration.