Debate and Forensics

Program Director

Antionette Ishmael has been teaching for over 15 years and has taught nearly all subjects and all grade levels. . Most recently, she was a junior high English teacher at Visitation Catholic School. Part of her extra-curricular activities included StuCo, yearbook, and coach for volleyball, basketball, and track. Her favorite, however, was being the director and choreographer of the school musicals.

Although she has been teaching for over 15 years, she took twelve years off to be a stay-at-home mom. During those years, Mrs. Ishmael wrote for magazines, coached, choreographed for the Italian Festival, and was an active member in Boy Scouts. She is a published author. Among the publications are: Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother’s Soul and Swollen Ankles and Blowfish Kisses. She has been awarded three grants and is proud to be the recipient of The Excellence in Teaching Award.

Since coming to St. James Academy, she has enjoyed being the first coach of both the varsity debate and forensic programs. The debate team earned over fifteen medals and placed in Shawnee Mission North's invitational. They will be hosting St. James' second Christmas debate tournament. The forensic team earned over fifteen medals and will be hosting the district forensic festival in the spring.

What is Forensics?

Forensics n. (used with a sing. verb)

The art or study of formal debate; argumentation, acting, speaking
The use of science and technology to investigate and establish facts in a criminal or civil courts of law

No, this isn't CSI. Many confuse the two. The only fingerprints left behind are on the medals this new team earned. Forensics, also coached by Mrs. Ishmael, took center stage in its first year of Thunder orators and actors. Their many accomplishments suggest a seasoned team. Mrs. Ish called them her grunts because they were the first to do battle for St. James—and battle they did.

L-R (Back Row) Bradley Lewis, James Ingram, Jack Vielhauer, Kelsey Kim, Jamie Alex, Abraham Khadivi, Reilly, Joe Getto, Elise Yankovich
L-R (Front Row) Tori Marks, Allison Boyd, Chloe Wake, Mary Catherine Gerling, Lauren Obermueller, Molly O'Brien, Kelly Lewis

This team has shown amazing leadership outside of competition. At the end of the season, students, in order to solidify future success of the squad, formed a SJA Forensics club. On the back of their team shirts you can boldly read: Get your ACT together! All would agree, as a first year team, they did.

Course Descriptions

Novice Debate PA 0306, 1st Semester Only

Prerequisite: Students must meet state eligibility requirements for interscholastic competition. Credit: 1/2 Grade: 9th, 10th. 11th
Students who enroll in debate will learn to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences, develop critical thinking skills, and serve as an advocate in a democratic society. Students research a topic and prepare arguments for and against a resolution selected by the National Forensics League. Debate requires a commitment of time outside of the class for competition, research, and other preparations. Participants must attend a minimum of three interscholastic debate tournaments.

Experienced Debate PA 0308, 1st Semester Only

Prerequisite: Students must meet state eligibility requirements for interscholastic competition. Credit: 1/2 Grade: 10th. 11th
Students who enroll in debate will learn to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences, develop critical thinking skills, and serve as an advocate in a democratic society. Students research a topic and prepare arguments for and against a resolution selected by the National Forensics League. Debate requires a commitment of time outside of the class for competition, research, and other preparations. Participants must attend a minimum of three interscholastic debate tournaments.