The Becton Debate Team is currently preparing for the upcoming Varsity Invitational on April 15, 2016, and Mr. Shin, the 2015-2016 adviser of the Becton Debate Team, stated that the varsity team has improved in record, and one junior varsity team has gone undefeated. “We’re small but strong,” he noted.

According to Mr. Shin, the team has “won their fair share of trophies,” with one second place, two third place and a couple of individual speaking awards. One of the captains was even recognized as “Best Judge.”

“They have developed faster than we originally expected,” said the proud adviser, “due to their investment and commitment to the club.”

This year has been Mr. Shin’s first at coaching the Becton Debate Team, and he said that his most difficult challenge with this new task has been motivating the team, “to maintain the focus and spirits of all participants.”

“Debate as an activity is a daunting club,” Mr. Shin said, “not only because you’re going head-to-head intellectually, but you are experiencing the pressure before rounds.”

The adviser’s greatest point in coaching has been the “observation of seeing some of the more experienced members taking care of their younger counterparts.” He remarked that the more experienced members have really taken the inexperienced members “under their wing.”

It is unclear whether Mr. Shin will continue his position as a debate coach next year, despite how proud of the team he is. He is “taking care of this year before the next,” he said.

“It’s nice to spend time with people who have a unified interest,” he noted, “especially with that youthful vigor.”