Del Valle High School debate program is trying to change the face of debate. There debate style is not only cutting edge, they coming up with new and unique ways to finance their program.
Working without a budget and school funding sources, Del Valle has become one of the leading debate programs with international debates through distance learning. "Yes, we are bringing the world to the classroom!" Explained Del Valle Debate Coach Michael Cunningham.
Cunningham who will enter his eighth year as the Debate Coach at Del Valle has tried to help his team through weekly debates with schools in the countries of Georgia, Russia, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and this fall Uzbekistan.
"We are very excited about these opportunities."
Del Valle Debate qualified students for the NCFL Nationals, J. B Fuqua Nationals, and the NFL Nationals in 2007. Next year they are going to host the Spanish Parli-Debate Nationals, and attend the Parli Nationals. To attend these tournaments, Del Valle is trying to do a unique approach, they are pitching a movie deal.
Cunningham explained, "It would be like Stand and Deliver, only it would end in Las Vegas with NFL Nationals. With the success of such films as Glory Road and other films, the audience to see articulate young Hispanic people argue effective against over whelming odds becomes the major reason why this movie will become so successful. We already have a title for it- First Affirmative. It would based on our project case."
