January, 2012 Alumni Spotlight
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"I was a member of my high school debate team in the late 80s . . . and credit that experience with giving me the foundation I needed to pursue a career in broadcasting."
This winter, Craig contacted SEDA looking to get involved again as a volunteer! |
Craig LederhouseRiffle High School, Regina 1986-1988 |
Craig Lederhouse is the host of The Afternoon Edition on CBC One in Saskatchewan.
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"Debate helped me practice oral English as it is my second language. One important thing I learned through debate is that at times it is important to be assertive because your stance often gives people a more prominent impression than your arguments (though arguments are important too)." |
Liz Sitian ChenWalter Murray, Saskatoon 2007-2009 |
Liz Chen is currently studying at Columbia University and is a C.P. Davis Scholar. She will be interning at China Everbright Bank in 2011.
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"Debate was incredibly important to me in elementary and high school, and the skills that I have learned through debate continue to help me in my current studies. I have received positive feedback from various supervisors about my communication skills, particulary with regards to presentations, that I would not have had without the practice debate offered me. I also believe that debate has helped to improve my writing, especially impromptu debate, as I am much more comfortable forming and defending my arguments than I otherwise would have been.
Finally, I met my husband debating in university - and if that isn't a wonderful opportunity that debate has given me, I don't know what is!" |
Donna Kaminskyj LongWalter Murray, Saskatoon 1999-2007 |
Donna Long is currently working on her Masters in Computer Science at the Unvieristy of Victoria, where she has received the Computer Science Medal for top graduating average and a Fellowship. Donna received the SEDA Youth Volunteer Award in 2005 for her dedication to debate, especially in the area of tournament support and organization.
| "Debate taught me to think critically and have an open mind. It created a life long love of current events and an interest in the democratic process. Thanks to impromptu debate, I can think quickly on my feet and have success in every meeting, job interview and presentation. I write more cohesively and defend a thesis more effectively as well. Debate has also provided me with a community of friends and like-minded learners." |
Wendy JamesBedford Road, Saskatoon 1987-1996 |
Wendy James has had a long and distinguished debate career.
Coached by Caroline Shields and Carol Jensen, Wendy won several
awards, including the Canada Day Debate, Provincials, 6th at
national Seminar, 9th speaker and 3rd place team at High
School Worlds and multiple winner of the Diefenbaker and McGowan
Cups. Wendy served on the USDS and SEDA boards in many roles,
including President and has coached SEDA's National Seminar and
National Championships teams several times. Wendy has taught in
Rosetown, Meadowlake and Saskatoon, and her clubs were always
successful at Provincials. Wendy has developed many of SEDA's past
and current resources. Her impact on debate and youth in
Saskatchewan has been wide-spread, and a true example of the spirit
of giving back to the debate community.
Wendy is currently the coordintor of curriculum and instruction for Saskatoon Public Schools.
Register and read more about our current debaters in the Members' Area!
