By Amaya Mendoza
West Plains, Mo. – The pandemic has been rough on students. Between online assignments, technical difficulties, and virtual classrooms, it has definitely been an odd start.
However, the West Plains school district has remained what they call “#ZizzerStrong”, so that clubs and sports alike can continue being open for all students to participate.
Jackson Wright, secretary of the West Plains High School Speech & Debate Team, has judged an online tournament and competed in Extemporaneous Speaking.
“I was nervous about doing an online tournament because I was afraid that the internet access or service would not work and do what we needed it to do”, he stated.
“I think maybe districts and for our state competition in March, we may go back to ‘in person’ tournaments. Doing things online somewhat ruins the ‘senior experience’. But we won’t be going to a lot of other schools this year, so it doesn’t mess up a whole lot.”, he continued.
Jackson’s advice to people struggling with the online switch is “to get organized.” He shared that he had an issue with his organizational skills, but being organized has helped him a lot. “With Google Classroom, it helps a lot because everything stays there. It gives all of the due dates to you, so that helps you stay on top of things”.
Adam Fish, a debate captain of the West Plains High School Speech & Debate Team, has competed in Public Forum Debate, so far – with his partner and fellow debate captain, Amaya Mendoza.
“I wasn’t nervous (about online tournaments), I was more annoyed and sceptical. I think eventually ‘in person’ tournaments will come back, but maybe not this year. People like being there in person more and after there is a vaccine, or cases drop significantly, I think we will be able to go back to that”, he explained.
“I don’t think debating online ruins the ‘senior experience’. Not being able to go to tournaments is a bummer, but debate is largely the same. I feel bad for people who do individual events because I feel like not being able to perform in person hurts them and their chances of doing well.”
Adam went a different route that Jackson when asked about his advice for people struggling with the switch to online, stating “my advice for people struggling would be to just try your best and get through it. This won’t be forever and we just have to make the best of it.”
The team has become smaller this year, due to the coronavirus, the lack of “in-person” tournaments, and the switch to complete online schooling for many students. Nevertheless, the team persists.
If you are interested in judging for an online tournament, supporting the team, learning more about events or joining the team contact Andy Hanson, at andrew.hanson@zizzers.org.
For more information about athletics, academics and clubs at West Plains High School, visit www.zizzers.org.
