Learning Lunch highlights LPS student debate

“Debate is the search for truth. To write, to speak, to listen. The critical thinking skills these students learn are amazing.”

With that, Lincoln Southwest High School Debate Coach Toni Heimes kicked off the latest Learning Lunch, “LPS Student Debate,” held Tuesday at Lincoln Public Schools District Office. Attendees heard these critical thinking skills firsthand, as students from Southwest and Lincoln High School squared off in a rapid-fire, condensed version of a debate competition.

Southwest junior Sam Spethman and senior Angela Kwambamba debated Lincoln High juniors Luke Moberly and Madeline Walker on whether the U.S. government should impose price controls on the pharmaceutical industry. Afterwards, they spoke about the ways in which debate has had a positive impact on their lives - both socially and academically.

“Socially, debate has a lot of value in terms of meeting new people and having a broader group of friends, both in state and out of the state,” Walker said.

“Academically,” Kwambamba said, “it’s helped me because in debate, you’re obviously not supposed to take everything at face value - the same thing as if you were in an AP stats class. Moreover, the critical thinking that you put in to debate you also put to use in the classroom.”

The final Learning Lunch of the 2018-19 season is May 14 - and you don’t want to miss it: “Aprenda mientras toma su almuerzo con los Mariachis de las Ciudad Estrella,” or “Learn while you have your lunch with the Star City Mariachi Ensemble.” Lance Nielsen, LPS curriculum specialist for music, will lead the program, which will feature live music performed by the LPS student mariachi ensemble.

Learning Lunches start at noon and are free and open to the public and LPS staff. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch - dessert is provided.

 

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