Earlier this year, sophomore Abigail Cyrus was presented with the opportunity to serve as president of the CRHS Debate Club throughout the 2025-2026 school year. As a freshman, Abby demonstrated incredible leadership, reflecting her profound interest in the club after only a few months of experience. She had been nominated for the position by Joel Nick, who had advised the Strong and later Coginchaug Debate Clubs for nearly a decade. Unfortunately, he decided to retire from his role following his daughter’s graduation, which was in June of 2025. After questioning multiple teachers here at Coginchaug Regional High School, Abigail Cyrus and Jillian Parmelee finally came across a willing contender to fill Mr. Nick’s position. Though he does not work at Coginchaug, Richard Parmelee agreed to step up as the new Debate Advisor at the high school.
Here’s what Abigail Cyrus and Mr. Parmelee had to say about their nominations:
Devil’s advocate (DA): How did your experience as a freshman in Debate influence your leadership style?
Abigail Cyrus (AC): During my freshman year, I felt very included even though the rest of the group was almost entirely upperclassmen. As president, I hope to include everyone through my leadership, no matter their skill level.
DA: What are your goals for the Debate team in the upcoming school year?
AC: This year, I hope to gain new members and compete in more debate tournaments. Recently, we lost nearly all of our members due to graduation, so I hope to get additional members to sign up for our club. I also hope to have more members compete in debate tournaments, regardless of skill level– everyone deserves to be included in the event.
DA: How do you feel about being nominated by Mr. Nick, and now working with Mr. Parmelee as your new advisor?
AC: At first, I felt a little overwhelmed by Mr. Nick’s nomination, especially since he left our club with no advisor. That said, I am very glad that we have found Mr. Parmelee to be our advisor and give us guidance. His past experience with public speaking will definitely help improve our confidence and technique.
DA: What have you learned from being part of the Debate team so far?
AC: In just one year of experience, I have learned how to think quickly under pressure and how to project my voice. I used to really struggle with speaking in front of people, but debate has helped significantly improve my confidence and communication skills.
DA: What’s one thing you wish people knew about the Debate Club?
AC: I wish more people knew how fun debate is! It may seem extremely competitive and strenuous, but I, like the remainder of the current members, had a lot of fun, even despite my unfamiliarity with public speaking and the people in the club.
DA: What made you decide to take on the role of Debate advisor?
Richard Parmelee (RP): I was drawn to the role of Debate advisor because I believe in the power of communication. Debate gives students the opportunity to find their voice, build confidence, and learn how to think critically about the world around them. Helping them develop those skills will be rewarding.
DA: Have you had any experience with debate or public speaking before this?
RP: Yes, I was the president of the class of ‘94. Additionally, I had been active in Youth and Government throughout my high school career. I’ve also spoken at a number of conferences professionally and provided instructional seminars. I think it is important for adolescents to develop strong speaking and communication skills. Debate Club is especially intriguing as it encourages students to conduct research and develop an understanding on both sides of an issue.
DA: What are your goals for the Debate Club this year?
RP: I look forward to mentoring the debate team. I want to see them become more confident speakers, and to encourage the club members to think on their feet, while also fostering a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Overall, I strive to be the best advisor I can be.
DA: What do you hope students gain from participating in Debate?
RP: More than anything, I hope students walk away with confidence, the ability to express their thoughts clearly, think critically under pressure, and listen respectfully to opposing viewpoints. Debate teaches skills that go far beyond competitions; it prepares you for real conversations, interviews, and leadership in any field. If the students can grow as thinkers and communicators, I’ll consider that a success.
DA: What’s one thing that surprised you about working with the Debate team so far?
RP: Unfortunately, the meetings have not yet started for the 2025–2026 school year. However, I am surprised at the eagerness of both the club members and leaders to initiate the meetings and schedule tournaments– their independence and communication have shocked me thus far.
The 2024-2025 school year marked success for the Coginchaug Debate team. With 12 members across all four grade levels, the club saw immense potential. However, with 8 of the 12 members being seniors, the team was reduced to just 4 in September of 2025.
New participants of any level are always welcome to join. The club meets every Thursday in the high school’s Library from 7-8pm, and supplies chips and soda for everyone.
Each year, we host our own debate tournament and attend several others throughout the school year. Although hosting may not be possible this year following Mr. Nick’s retirement, the club will continue to build a strong sense of community and foster leadership, critical thinking, research, public speaking, and communication skills under the guidance of our new leaders.
Despite being largely considered a competitive club, the team aims to have fun during every meeting.
As the Debate Club begins this new chapter under Abby’s leadership and Mr. Parmelee’s guidance, there’s a renewed sense of excitement. Together, they hope to rebuild the team, inspire confidence in new members, and continue the legacy that makes Debate such a valued part of Coginchaug Regional High School. With new members, ideas, and a shared love for the club, the 2025–2026 Debate season is off to a late but promising start.
