WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Several area high school students practiced the art of debate and compromise at the annual Missouri State University-West Plains Student Congress Saturday, March 21, in West Plains.
Hosted by the local chapter of the Student Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri (SSTAM)and the Student Government Association (SGA), the annual event gives area high school students the opportunity to practice solving some of the most pressing political problems on the state and national level, according to SSTAM faculty adviser Dr. Gary Phillips.
The students take on the role of legislators and write and debate bills that address the needs and problems facing our world, he explained. They are evaluated on committee work, floor debate, parliamentary procedure and the three pillars of public affairs – ethical leadership, community engagement and cultural awareness, he added.
“It is a fun way to expose students to our government and the idea of going to college,” Phillips said.
Awards for committee work went to Isabel Bridges and Haley Humphrey of West Plains High School; Adam Hand of Bakersfield High School; and Emma Phillips of Salem, Arkansas, High School. Floor debate awards went to Derek McGinnis, Josh Campbell and Bridges of West Plains; Grier Hull of Bakersfield; and Phillips, Gary Morris and Isaac Phillips of Salem, Arkansas. Awards in parliamentary procedure were handed out to Campbell and McGinnis of West Plains; Hand, Josh Yount and Cayley Hand of Bakersfield; and Emma Phillips of Salem, Arkansas.
Adam Hand was elected Speaker of the House and won the award for ethical leadership. Patrick Cobb, West Plains, was elected House Clerk. Campbell won the community engagement award, and Bridges received the cultural competence award. A bill submitted by Morris received the best bill award.
For more information about the event and how to participate in next year’s Student Congress, contact Phillips at GaryPhillips@MissouriState.edu.