Fine Arts Student of the Week: Senior finds debate enjoyable

Adviser nomination: "Maddie has been competing in debate since seventh grade. She has earned spots at the state and national tournaments multiple years in multiple categories. Maddie is a leader and role model for younger debaters helping them with case writing, research and presentation."

Memorable fine arts achievement: "Being undefeated two times in the Northern Lights District in the Lincoln-Douglas debate in 2017-18, 2018-19."

Artist most admired: Stephen King.

Other fine arts activities: Pottery, art aide, speech and Knowledge Bowl.

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Maddie Schuld

• Grade: Senior.
• Age: 18.
• Art focus: Brainerd High School debate.

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Why did you join?: "Originally I was involved in tennis and it wasn't my cup of tea. I ended up being a double partner with someone I didn't really get along with for multiple reasons. I got a letter in the mail saying you seem like you would be a good fit for debate, come to our meeting. I was still a little hesitant at first, but then I went to the meeting. ... I joined and it was great. I ended up quitting all of my other activities (tennis and soccer) so I could focus on debate because I found something I was good at and I enjoyed."

What do you enjoy about debate?: "I enjoy the research, the writing and presenting the evidence for a fact-based case. I really enjoy it and it's a good fun activity."

Biggest challenge: "Getting up so early in the morning on Saturdays for the tournaments. It's also a time commitment, as I have to balance debate, work and school. The debate season begins in September and ends in January. We have early practices in August and the national tournament is in June.

"In other states, speech and debate seasons are concurrent, so you have to pick between one or the other at every tournament. That is why I am glad I live in Minnesota, because we have a speech season and a debate season, so I can do both, which is awesome."

What makes you a good debater?: "A good work ethic. It's all about finding time to do your drills, make and write your case. Talent can get you to the starting line, but you will never get anywhere unless you work at it. Effort beats talent because showing up is half the battle, you have to actually work at it."

Why Lincoln-Douglas: "I did public forum for a year, primarily because I was a little scared of it at first, because Lincoln-Douglas, there were only a few people in it and it seemed like a lot of extra work. But I ended up liking the format better because the speeches are longer. You have more time to develop a more coherent and really deep arguments. The public forum speeches are much shorter and the crossfire is much more disorganized. And the philosophy driven argument of Lincoln-Douglas also drove me to it."

Tell me about the most interesting case you tried: "The most interesting case was in November-December topic and was a nationals-qualifying topic for out district. I can't remember the exact wording, but it was the public's rights to know to be valued above the candidates for public office right of privacy. My favorite argument that I ran was on the affirmative-candidates actually violate the privacy of the people they will represent because a candidate gets a list of voter information, such as their party preference, where they live and phone numbers. If a politician is running for state or national, there are companies who will approach you and say, 'Hey we have data on people.' ... My whole argument is that the candidates are violating our privacy so it is only just that we should have the information on them on what we need to make a decision. They have free access they need to make campaign decisions. It really was the most fun argument I had because it seemed the people weren't prepared for it because they were expecting me to just talk about how access to information is good and not expecting the whole tribute of justice thing."

Other skills you gained from debate: "The writing is the biggest thing. In middle school you have to do essay writing in classes and I was like, I do this in debate for fun. Even the stuff you do in (Advanced Placement) literature exam, a lot of that stuff I have been doing in debate for years. It also really gave me a head start in speaking and when it is appropriate to be more formal versus conversational."

After high school plans: "I want to eventually be an attorney, but I'm not sure on what type of law I want to practice yet. I'm going to do pre-law next year, but not sure on which graduate school I want. I shadowed Judge David Ten Eyck and that was super fun and a great experience. That encouraged me more to go to school in law."

Favorite subject: Pottery.

Favorite movie: "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World."

Favorite TV show: "Breaking Bad."

Favorite book: "Misery" by Stephen King.

Favorite song: "Adam's Song."

Favorite band: Blink-182.

Perfect meal: "Stir fry, with lots of veggies and rice."

Biggest pet peeve: "When people at stop signs don't know who is suppose to go first."

Parents: Robert and Christine Schuld of Pillager.