FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Darin Clark

Phone: (409) 766-5145

Email: tommyclark@gisd.org

GALVESTON, Texas – Dec. 14, 2022 - Members of Ball High School’s Debate Team are working to rebuild the winning legacy of their predecessors under the leadership of Mr. Michael Merritte who has returned from retirement to continue leading the team.

Participating students have already competed in the following areas this school year, with upcoming competitions still to come: debate, public speaking, and performance literation at multiple levels including UIL, Texas Forensic Association, National Speech and Debate Association, and Optimist International.

Students who compete must be prepared to give up their weekends as the competitions are full-day commitments on Saturdays. Just like athletic competitions, these students must maintain passing grades. 

Merritte, who originally taught for 43 year and then returned this year after a two-year retirement, is very passionate about the success of the debate students he oversees. “These students will compete in the Optimist International event in the spring with a chance to win cash money,” Merritte said. Prizes range from $300 at the local event up to $2500 at the national level. All students will speak on the same topic and will be judged on their delivery.

Ball High’s forensic teams have filled multiple trophy cases on campus and Merritte has high hopes of bringing home more hardware with this group.

For more information, contact Merritte at (409) 766-5700.