Bookmark this page to:                             

CARTHAGE - While some middle school students may argue over fashion and teen pop stars, a group of Moore County students is debating something much bigger.

They are studying whether the U.S. government should substantially reform the health care system.

The topic will be argued by about 75 students who are participating in a project sponsored by the Sandhills chapter of the English-Speaking Union. The students are from six middle schools.

English-Speaking Union of the U.S. is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization. Its mission is to promote scholarships and advances in education through effective use of English.

The organization is not new to Moore County schools, but getting sixth- through eighth-graders active in debate is a first, said Jim Williford, the coordinator for the Sandhills chapter.

Moore County is one of four locations in the U.S. participating in the pilot program. Other students are from Cleveland; Columbus, Ohio; and Louisville, Ky.

Mike Metcalf, principal of Southern Middle School in Aberdeen, said students chose to be in the program rather than being selected by teachers.

"It's a great opportunity for our students to be able to express themselves. They really dove into it," Metcalf said.

Williford said he would like to expand the competition to Cumberland and Lee counties next year. The debates could be coordinated by English-Speaking Union.

After a month of debate lessons, the students' first big test will be a trial debate Wednesday at West Pine Middle School near West End. The showcase debate will be Nov. 23 at New Century Middle School in Carthage. The format is four 42-minute rounds.

Elected officials and English-Speaking Union members will judge.

"We've been very impressed so far how studious and serious the students are taking it while researching the matter," said Williford, who will be a judge. "You'd be surprised at how well these youngsters do."