The West Virginia Bar Foundation has granted a $5,000 award to Davis-Stuart, Inc. to fund a debate team for youth in Greenbrier County. Davis-Stuart CEO Stephanie Williams, Jennifer Keadle Mason, Project Coordinator, and some of the children are in the picture above.
During the first activity, the kids first learned about the various types of debate and then organized into teams/groups. Each group member was assigned a responsibility during the debate. The first topic was assigned. The children then began the process of research to aid in the preparation of their arguments. They first began with research on the internet. The children identified possible solutions to the problem. In order to test the theoretical solutions, the children then conducted additional in person research. The children were required to identify both positive and negative aspects of each method. The methods they tested included using royal icing, melted sugar, melted gummy bears, melted marshmallows, and icing from the kit. They also had a chance to interview an expert who could provide a testimonial. They were required to document their research. The first question the children debated was: What is the best method to keep a gingerbread house from falling apart?
A picture of the in-person research is below. The next stage is for the children to begin to prepare arguments based upon their research. We look forward to seeing their arguments!
Davis-Stuart, Inc. provides a clinically based therapeutic residential program for neglected, abused and emotionally disturbed adolescents. Approximately one hundred fifty youth are provided housing, food, education and support. | 
