Members of the ASMSA Debate team joined students from 22 other Arkansas high schools and universities to participate in the Arkansas Student Congress.
The event was sponsored by the Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association at the Clinton Presidential Center and the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock on Nov. 13-15. The Arkansas Student Congress provides students the opportunity to participate in a simulation of Congress. Students join party delegations and attempt to guide legislation through the process, including adoption by the Student Congress.
On the first day, Party Caucuses and Congressional Committee Meetings were held at the Clinton Presidential Library and the Clinton School of Public Service. The final two days were held at the Arkansas State Capitol where participants debated student-authored bills on the floor of the Senate and the House. ASMSA students authored three bills, and one ran as a candidate for office.
ASMSA Debate team members were recognized with several awards during the Congress. They include:
- Isaura Funes, a senior from Conway: Excellent in Party Caucus and Excellent in Committee, serving as a Representative;
- Linden Mixon, a junior from Jonesboro: second place for Best Bill, Excellent in Floor Debate, Excellent in Committee and Superior in Parliamentary, serving as a Representative;
- Avery Binuya, a junior from Lamar: Superior in Committee and Excellent in Floor Debate, serving as a Representative;
- Kuhno Lee, a junior from Little Rock: Outstanding Page, serving as a Representative;
- Lola Tate, a sophomore from Benton: Excellent in Committee, serving as a Representative; and
- Daniel Nkunga, a junior from Sherwood: Best Delegate, Superior in Parliamentary Procedure and Superior in Floor Debate, serving as a Representative.
The Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association is a community of professionals devoted to the rigorous study and ethical practice of oral communication, debate, dance, and theatre arts as an essential discipline, life skill, and art form as components of the core curriculum, as well as providing a platform for expression for all, teacher and student alike.