Sen. David Haley, D-4th Dist., will hold the Third Annual Senator Haley WyCO Youth Policy Debate from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Kansas City Kansas Community College in Room 2703.
This is the third consecutive year that the competition has been held. Sen. Haley will present a recap of key Kansas legislative issues – new laws during the judges’ final deliberations and then take questions from the audience and media.
The program is held on the college campus, 7250 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
In 2013, Sen. Haley and a panel of judges awarded four Wyandotte County students with trophies and cash prizes in excess of $500 for their debate skill during the Second Annual Haley Beginners” (as well as “Advanced”).
Seventeen students have pre-registered to participate. Additional pre-registrations, which are free for entry, must be completed by 9 p.m. Friday, May 9, but on-site registration ($10) is eligible on event day at the KCKCC.
Haley first created the debates in 2012. Intended as a catalyst for raw youth expression, they have provided a way to encourage issue awareness in Wyandotte County youth and are open to all current or future students of the high schools of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools, including Harmon High School; Schlagle High School; Sumner Academy of Arts and Science; Washington High School; and Wyandotte High School.
“The ability to debate is a crucial part of being a successful, engaged citizen,” Sen. Haley said. “This event, in particular, allows teens an opportunity to articulate their societal concerns and youthful perspective in front of a community audience. We had good participation competing in the first two years in both categories and are impressed by their opinions. When invited to express, in this metered and structured way, our community’s children form and express clearly; in a ‘thinking-swiftly-on-your-feet’ environment, which is so often essential to real world application.”
Sen. Haley represents the 4th Senate District, which includes parts of Wyandotte County and plans to bring the event back for a fourth year next spring.