ON A GLOBAL STAGE
Lee College Mendoza Debate Society Competes in Prestigious Montgomery Cup in the United Kingdom
For the first time ever in Lee College history, the Mendoza Debate Society traveled abroad to participate in the prestigious Montgomery Cup.
As anticipated, the team of three IMPACT Early College high school students and one traditional student, placed among the top of what was expected to be a tough competition across the pond.
But for the four Lee College students, this trip was life changing. Mendoza Debate Society Team Captains Rebecca Currie, Priscilla Guerra and Diego Moreno, accompanied by teammate Jerry McCauley, traveled to top universities in Scotland and England from Feb. 12 - Mar. 2, 2024.
They were joined by students from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) and Louisiana State University- Shreveport (LSUS). This year’s Montgomery Cup series included top debate institutions University of Edinburgh, Durham University and Imperial College.
To say this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these students is a dramatic understatement. All of them have had the ability to test their skills against some of the best debaters in the world.
“Most university students don’t get this experience – much less community college students."
The debate team enjoyed a showing of "Hamilton" at London's Victoria Palace.
The debate team enjoyed a showing of "Hamilton" at London's Victoria Palace.
Making History
The Montgomery Cup, having just completed its 27th year, is the preeminent annual clash between delegations of United States and British teams in the world’s style of intercollegiate debate.
This year, students from Lee College, led by Joe Ganakos, director of debate and Rigo Ruiz, head coach, became the first community college to ever be invited to participate and, for three IMPACT students, the first ever to compete in this prestigious invitation-only debate series.
“Most university students don’t get this experience – much less community college students," Ganakos said.
Founded by UCM’s Dr. Jack Rogers, the Montgomery Cup is designed to not only encourage international competition for intercollegiate debate but help broaden the worldviews of all involved. The style consists of a two-on-two debate, between the affirmative team, known as the Government or the Proposition, and the negative team, referred to as the Opposition. Debater role names are borrowed from the British Parliament, with the judge being referred to as the Speaker.
Jerry McCauley, Lee College sophomore, served as "Prime Minister" against the University of Edinburgh arguing in favor of NATO intervening in the Ukraine/ Russia war.
Jerry McCauley, Lee College sophomore, served as "Prime Minister" against the University of Edinburgh arguing in favor of NATO intervening in the Ukraine/ Russia war.
Topics ran the gamut of policy, value and fact topics relevant to major international issues including intellectual property, bioethics, mental health policy and immigration policy.
As the "Leader of the Opposition," Lee College Co-Captain Diego Moreno debated bioethics against Durham University.
As the "Leader of the Opposition," Lee College Co-Captain Diego Moreno debated bioethics against Durham University.
"Debating against students from the United Kingdom was one of the most challenging experiences I’ve gone through while being part of this activity," said McCauley. "Despite coming from completely different backgrounds, their arguments were unique and persuasive. Thankfully each of the U.S. colleges brought an amazing cast of debaters ensuring these exhibitions would be competitive and more importantly educational."
Beginning with the University of Edinburgh, Lee College debaters were able to experience internationally ranked debate competition, see firsthand historic heritage sights in cities like St. Andrews and London, and work cooperatively with their U.S. teammates to best represent the caliber of American colleges and universities.
Team Co-Captain Rebecca Currie, as the "Government Whip," made her case for improving mental health policy while debating at Imperial College.
Team Co-Captain Rebecca Currie, as the "Government Whip," made her case for improving mental health policy while debating at Imperial College.
The team of Rebecca Currie and Priscilla Guerra ranked second, losing to a Top 10 team in the world from Imperial College in the final tournament round of the trip. Jerry McCauley, a multiple-time national champion in various IPDA divisions, was a top speaker in debates at Edinburgh and Durham, while his partner Diego Moreno partnered with a debater from UCM in the broadcast round at Durham and received acclaim from all involved for his performance.
Priscilla Guerra, co-captain, served as "Member of Government" spoke on mental health policy reform against Imperial College.
Priscilla Guerra, co-captain, served as "Member of Government" spoke on mental health policy reform against Imperial College.
"We came to debate and we most definitely debated. The teams we competed against gave us a run for our money as their style of debate is drastically different from ours," Guerra explained. "They focus on the quality of arguments and providing principal values in the round that make their style of debate complex; however, despite the differences, I felt honored and privileged to be able to have a chance to not only debate against them, but also with them."
Experience of a Lifetime
When the students weren't arguing or defending their points against the other teams, they went sightseeing at some of the world's most-known landmarks such as London’s Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, London Stadium as well as as the old golf course at St. Andrews in Scotland.
The team visited London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and London Stadium where the Premiere League soccer team West Ham United F.C. plays.
The team visited London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and London Stadium where the Premiere League soccer team West Ham United F.C. plays.
“The time I spent debating across the pond made me a better debater and I’m ecstatic to bring it back with me to the IPDA debate circuit,” said Currie. “The experience allowed me to better understand the work that I live in, and how to operate in it.”
“The Scottish and English debaters showed great hospitality and camaraderie as they welcomed us with open arms into their debate unions,” Moreno shared. “Everything changes when you ‘cross the pond’ as they say. The local life, ideals, and culture are entirely different, and completely change the way you see life in the U.S. You truly realize how large the world is.”
The students stopped for a "selfie" with the London Eye in the background.
The students stopped for a "selfie" with the London Eye in the background.
“Before this trip, I would’ve said that I knew a great deal about my fellow debaters at Lee College,” McCauley added. “After this adventure, I can confidently say that I didn’t know a thing. Whether it was climbing a mountain, hiking through the cities, or discovering each of our unique habits, I shared a lifetime opportunity with great people.”
Students pose on the campus of Durham University in Durham, England where they took on the Durham debate team.
Students pose on the campus of Durham University in Durham, England where they took on the Durham debate team.
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