Yale-Princeton Debate, Nov. 3 in Ardsley

Westchester Debate continues for the 21st year in Ardsley, Nov. 3 (YWAA photos)

When college and high school debate squads spar on stage this year, what will be the topics around which they craft shrewd arguments?

With a U.S. presidential election last year's news, there still won't be a shortage of political issues and subjects to address before a typical audience of hundreds of students, parents, and debate enthusiasts:  Climate change, health care, tax policy, nuclear warheads, sustainable-energy initiatives, divisive politics, or perhaps national-anthem gestures at football games. 

The 21st annual Yale Westchester Debate Competition returns to Ardsley High School, Friday, Nov. 3,  2017. Once again, the Yale Debate Team will start the night at 7 pm with a showdown against Princeton, last year's winner at Ardsley. Scarsdale's Michael Bogarty '19 debated for Yale in 2016.  Yale won the competition in 2014 and 2015.  Brown triumphed in 2013, when it joined Yale and Princeton as a competing squad.

The college debaters this year will be followed by six Westchester high-school teams. The collegians will also help coach the high-school students on their topics and arguments before they debate. If tradition rules, the topics among the high-schoolers won't be any less controversial or complicated. In 2016, judges pronounced Horace Greeley High School as the winner.

The annual Debate is sponsored in part by YWAA's William Nightingale Fund, which honors YWAA board member Bill Nightingale '53.  Nightingale returns as event co-Chair and emcee. 

Ardsley High School, after filling its auditorium last year with home-school fans, teachers, and students, as well as area Yale and Princeton alumni, was invited to host again. The competition in recent years has been hosted by high schools from Byram Hills, Rye Brook, Hackley, and the Masters School.

Yale alumni, family, friends and those interested in hearing the younger generation think out loud about some of the toughest issues of the times are invited.  There is no charge or fee.

Debaters from Yale, Princeton and Brown compete during the 2014 Westchester competition at Hackley School. (YWAA photos)