ESCC announces debate winners, encourages legal studies carrer | Events

Enterprise State Community College celebrates the addition of a Debate Club as they held their first Debate tournament on November 27 on the ESCC campus. Tournament judges were Honorable Shannon Clark, 12th Judicial Circuit Judge of Coffee and Pike County, and the Honorable Dwain Hartwick, Enterprise Municipal Judge.

“Watching intelligent motivated, talented young people willing to go the extra mile was thoroughly enjoyable,” said Clark.

ESCC Legal Studies instructor and Debate Club sponsor Lydia Dillingham sees great growth potential for students through this program.

“Debate enhances a student’s skills so much”, said Dillingham. “It gives them opportunities for analytical thinking, oral presentations, and argument. My purpose with starting this club at ESCC was to enhance our students’ growth academically and in their analytical reasoning.”

Additionally, Dillingham sees the Debate Club as a great way for those interested in the legal field, whether it’s Pre-Law or Legal Studies, to get great hands-on experience.

“The Legal Studies program at ESCC gives students the opportunity to earn an Associate in Applied Science in Legal Studies in only two years,” said Dillingham. “Paralegal job opportunities are projected to grow 18% over the next ten years. I encourage anyone who has an interest in the law to take a look at this growing field.”

Dillingham has practiced law in Coffee County for twelve years and is active in Drug Court. Dillingham teaches Legal Studies/Paralegal program. Those interested in Debate Club or a career in Legal Studies is encouraged to contact Dillingham at (334) 347-2623 ext 2207 or Ldillingham@escc.edu.

The teams debated two topics in the style of Lincoln-Douglas Debate. The topics were

• (1) The United States ought to extend to non-citizens accused of terrorism the same constitutional due process protections it grants to citizens; and
• (2) Collegiate online instruction enhances college education “"When the conduct of men is designed to be influenced, persuasion, kind, unassuming persuasion, should ever be adopted.” ~Abraham Lincoln ~ 1842.

Four trophies were awarded:
Winning teams: TEAM B: Kaneesha Woodard - first topic
(2 trophies) TEAM A: Gale Olson and Kaneesha Woodard - second topic

BEST INDIVIDUAL SPEAKERS: (different criteria) Ashley Brock and Gale Olson (2 trophies)

Source:  ESCC Director of Marketing & Media Relations