Spring Arbor University - Echo Yearbook (Spring Arbor, MI)

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Front Row, left to right: Ray Mclntyre, Pauline Maxwell, Harriette G. Warner tCoachJ, Frances Lawrence. Oscar Kenney. Back Row, lett to right: Robert Clark, George Kingsley, Murray Garnett, Wilson Hibbard, Burton Dowley. Debate Team: Oscar Kenney, Pauline Maxwell, Ray Mclntyie. Alternates: Robert Clark, Frances Lawrence. High School Debate SCHEDULE Spring Arbor vs. Augusta ............ ........ W on Spring Arbor vs. Chelsea ...... .......... W on Spring Arbor vs. Frontier ...... ................................. W on Spring Arbor vs. Camden ............ Forfeit to Spring Arbor Spring Arbor vs. North Adams .................................. Lost The 1955-56 season has been an outstanding one in the history of forensics in Spring Arbor. The Spring Arbor team, debating the question, Resolved: That the several governments should make monopolies of the manufac- ture and sale of all combat instruments of war, won all the debates scheduled in the preliminary series of the Michigan High School Debate League. In recognition of this, the school was awarded a handsome trophy, in- scribed, for excellence in High School debating, by the Detroit Free Press. This is the third time in the his- tory of the school, and the first time in five years that Spring Arbor's debaters have gained this distinction. However, the members of the squad feel that the actual judges' decisions are among the least of the things gained in this year's debating. Among the more lasting benefits derived are ability to analyze a question, to think clearly and logically to speak persuasively. The debaters develop an interest in and better understanding of world affairsg they gain poise and confidence in meet- ing the challenge of an audience. All these things mean much more than does the mere defeating of an oppo- nent. In this clash of wits following diligent and care- ful preparation is an inestimably valuable preparation for life. -HARRIETTE G. WARNER ec as

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Alpha Sigma Theta OFFICERS President Vice President Secretary, ., Treasurer Sergeant-at-Arms Chaplain... . .. Faculty Adviser .. The College Debate Club was born about 9:15 A. M., November 25, 1935, in the chapel and took on good proportions very rapidly. Full growth was reached with- in a few days after its constitution was approved, but it was not christened until a few weeks later, when the name Alpha Sigma Theta, standing in reverse order for Thought, Speech, and Action, was adopted. Thus the twenty-five charter members of the Debate Club started out to prove to their own satisfaction what could be ac- complished through organization and hard work. The announcement of a debate tournament between the Free Methodist junior Colleges to be held at Green- ville, Illinois, in the spring fired our enthusiasm, and we conceived the idea of taking our whole club. The only thing that stood in our way was the question of how to get there---and, we had to admit, there was a pretty big question mark after it too. But doubtful as it appeared we all set to work with the one goal in view. A ways and means committee was created to devise money raising projects, and the first campaign was an all-school sleigh ride with a ten cent charge to every one who rode. The outfit consisted of four sleighs, two teams, a coal truck, and about a hundred passengers who were out of the sleighs as much as in. Then to top the evening we served hot cocoa and doughnuts. This put a substantial foundation in our treasury. So lil mer Cain ,Ralph Lowell Harriette Bruce lfldon Home Lloyd Knox Dale Heath Hariiette G. X'v'ai'ner we put on an amateur contest next. The members of the club proved their talents in various ways. and only two were given the gong by the Major. The first prize was won by a versatile instrument player named Abernathy- cuprintwhistle, otherwise known as Mr. X. The villagers and students crowded the studio to capacity, and many voted it the best program of the year. Following this, the club held two pie a la mode sales, and when the dishes were washed and all was quiet the treasurer announced that the trip was financially possible. On Thursday, March 19, 1950, at a very early hour, five cars left Spring Arbor for the long looked for trip to Greenville. Wfe were treated royally by our hosts, but to describe the good time we had would take volumes. Wliile the Greenville trip was the high spot of the year, there were other things also that came along to keep our club active. Our regular Monday evening meet- ings were both instructive and entertaining. Nor could we forget that breakfast hike at the end of the school year where we were together for the last time. Wife have proved that the College Debate Club is a valuable and worth while organization, and though this is only its first year, it is not to be its last. XVe can make next year better yet. -ELMER CAIN 44 9:

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Squad: Front Row, lett ln right: Pauline jones, Lorraine Dowley, Harriette Li. XY'arnei, tkiiatlil, Haiiiettc Bunce, Lloyd Knox. Back Row: Vernon Dunckel Ralph Lowell, Elmer Cain, Earl De Mille, Dale lleatli College Debate Affirzmzlizie DAL12 HEATH LLQYD H. Kisiox Negizfizmf LORRAINIQ Dowfrm' VERNON DUNCKISI. l lARRll3'I l'Ii G. VUARNER, Cfaztlv RESOLVED: That Congress should be permitted by a two-thirds majority vote to over-ride any decision of the Supreme Court declaring an act of Congress unconstitu- tional. Not the least of our extra-curricular activities is de- bate. Members of Alpha Sigma Theta readily responded to the tryout challenge. After the teams were organized, practice debates were held with jackson junior College, Albion College, and Flint junior College. Of these many debates participated in only a few were judged. Although the decisions werent always in our favor, ex- perience has been gained which will definitely contrib- ute to our success in the future. This doesnt mean that our efforts were in vain, for there were victories for us this year. Our interest was enlivened by the prospect of a tournament in Greenville, Illinois. The schools taking part in this were Spring Arbor, Chesbrough, and Green- ville. In the final round of the tournament Spring Arbor Affirmative and Negative teams were both vic- torious, thus bringing Spring Arbor the district honor of winning the first tournament of its kind. However, this did not complete the season. As soon as the debaters reached home they immediately plunged into another tourney, in which all the .lunior Colleges of Michigan were participants, Here Spring Arbor broad- ened its acquaintance and set a precedent. On this occa- sion the Affirmative won its debate over Detroit Insti- tute of Technology. On the whole the season has been very interesting and profitable, and we look forward to next year with eagerness. fHAuRii2'r'i'iz Boitiis 146757