Lincoln High School - Links Yearbook (Lincoln, NE)

Page 32 text:

Teams tackle topic Debaters well prepared The thought of debating on the sub- ject “Should the United States curtail its sale of arms to foreign countries?” would make most students weak in the knees. The sturdy stock of the debate club, however, was not in- timidated as the two-man teams took on the topic. The average debater must think logically, be able to express himself while remaining organized, have research abilities, and above all be dedicated to succeed in his task, said senior Brad Walker. Twelve individuals, under the guid- ance of Sue Cain, tried to develop these skills as the debate season led them from week to week to different tournaments in and out of Nebraska. The one-man debaters (who debated different topics throughout the season) and the two-man teams of 1983 were more prepared than last year, said Brad. “We did a lot of work before we even started school,” he said. Another difference in the team, ac- cording to Brad, was the addition of two mascots. Buskie the Debate Squirrel and Biff the Debate Alligator kept the team company. Two promising newcomers proved to be juniors David Jagoda and Jenny Ackerman, said Brad, who feels the 1983-84 team should be strong. Above—Making his point with enthusiasm is Lance Schumack. Right—Helping out Jill Holbert with her speech, David Duffy and Kate Barron give unnecessary suggestions. 28—Debate

Page 31 text:

Left—Dramatic Mummers demonstrate their capacity for spirit and the smiling face of Erin Egan mirrors the fun. Below—Relat- ing the true story to Dutch Fichthorn and Alan Gehr is President David Duffy. Above Left—Apparently enthralled by the meeting agenda Jay TTiornton looks on «fascina- tion Left-Conducting a meeting is no small task, even for the combined talents Alan Gehr and Dutch Fichthorn as they attempt to entertain and inform. Above-As devoted members such as Eric Lipsky. Jenny Barron and Ruth Leinfeliner pay attention to the meeting. Erin Eaan amuses herself. Mummers—27

Page 33 text:

Left—“You expect me to believe that?” says Brad Walker, and David Duffy is unsure. Below- Depending on good looks and charm is risky, so Brad Walker relies on visual aids to accompany his after-dinner speech. Speech fears fade Experience gained, anxieties vanish To most people, speech is just a manner of communication. But to Speech team members, it’s some- thing much more. Each member had at least one type of speaking event that they found to suit them (occasionally writing) to memorize and present at tourna- ments. The events were subheaded as speaking, interpretation and drama. Coach Dutch Fichthom felt that the team did very well, and was one of the top teams in the state. He said that an important goal for the year was to finish among Nebraska’s top three teams. Although students gained expe- rience in performing and in writing skills, it was unanimous that the tour- naments were the highlights of being on the team. Going out of town, visiting other schools and meeting new people kept the students’ minds off their main concern—their speeches. Devon Schumacher said that the common fear was that the students would get up in front of the judges and freeze. Or worse yet, the speech wouldn’t go over well. “It’s a terrible feeling to be doing a (humorous interpretation) and no one laughs,” he said. Devon reasoned that some judges felt if they laughed it would distract the students. But Devon added with a grin, “I’d prefer they’d laugh.” Left—Debate Club, (First Row) Shari Lewis. Susan Steider, David Jagoda. Jennifer Acker- man Amy Thiede. (Second Row) Sue Cain. Brad Walker. Bapi Gupta. Robin Rathjen. Lance Schumack, Paul Haar. Becky Boswell. Keith Hale. Jill Holbert. Right—Speech Team, (First Row) Tony Lopez. Jill Holbert. Kate Barron. Keith Hale. StefanieOrtiz, Becky Boswell. (Second Row) Devon Schumacher. Dutch Fichthom. David Duffy. Brad Walker. Alan Gehr. Speech—29