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Hewlett resident wins national Ronald Reagan debate series
John Michael Magloire doesn’t fear public speaking, as roughly 75 percent of people do, and it’s no wonder: He excels at it. Magloire, 17, of Hewlett, showcased all of his oratorical skills at the annual Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series in Simi Valley, Calif., on July 23, and was named the event’s top debater.
Magloire, who is heading into his senior year at Chaminade High School in Mineola, made the most of his three years of debate experience at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, besting 15 other students who were selected to take part in the series based on performances in local and regional competitions.
“What’s really cool about debating is that you learn both sides, and it’s really cool to talk about a different idea,” said Magloire, who won a trophy and a $10,000 scholarship. All of the contest’s finalists received monetary awards.
The California competition differs from the typical one-on-one (“Lincoln-Douglas”), two-on-two (“public forum”) or “congressional style” debate formats that students learn during the school year, because there are three elimination rounds, and the judges are not debate coaches.
“Typically in debate competition, the emphasis is on evidence and logic, and students utilizing specialized language and not communicating to a greater audience,” explained Rebekah Harding, assistant director of learning and engagement at the Ronald Reagan Foundation Presidential and Institute, which operates the library. “The Great Communicator Debate Series isn’t just about that, but how well the students take their big ideas and communicate to the general public.
“What’s interesting is there is not necessarily a magic formula,” Harding added. “We’re looking for them to take a key issue, step back and frame it in a combination of ethos, logos and pathos” — modes of persuasion used to sway people.
Brother John McGrory, the coach of the speech and debate team at Chaminade High, said he was proud of Magloire, and that his triumph in California was the “culmination of a great year.” “It shows he … knows how to speak to a larger audience,” McGrory said.
Magloire was part of the Chaminade Lincoln-Douglas debate team that took first place at the New York State Forensic League Championship Tournament in April. At the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament in Louisville, Ky., in May, he was a semifinalist, and the team was recognized as a School of Excellence in debating. Magloire placed sixth at the National Speech and Debate Association nationals in June.
“In three years as a debater, I’ve definitely learned the value of working with other people,” he said. “We share the research. I talk to teammates about how to explain things. I never had a fear of public speaking. It sort of came natural.”
The Great Communicator Debate Series, unlike single-day school-year debates, is a three-day affair that includes a dinner in the Reagan Library, among pieces of the Berlin Wall and other memorabilia of Reagan’s presidency.
Back at Chaminade, another debate season will begin with the school year next month. McGrory said that Magloire and other team members are already looking ahead to the Yale Invitational in September.
“We celebrate our wins and learn from our losses,” he said. “We really don’t dwell on recriminations. I want them to work hard — cooperation is essential — and learn … by teaching others, and listen to one another.”
Magloire has taken McGrory’s philosophy to heart, and serves as a mentor to younger debaters. He has yet to decide on a college, but most likely will major in history and economics, may continue debating, depending on the school he chooses, and “definitely will go to law school,” he said.
“I always tell freshmen, if you’re not prepared, you’ll never succeed,” he said. “The most important speaking style is adapting on your feet and [analyzing]. It can’t always be pre-written and prepared.”
