Debate Club at Hamlin is a lunchtime group comprised of seventh and eighth grade students who meet to learn about formal debate. Together with their faculty advisor the group chooses a controversial issue either related to Hamlin culture or current events and then spend several weeks researching that topic. The preparation includes internet and library research, interview, and data collection. The club puts on three or four different debates per school year and each student is expected to take on a new role for each new topic. Debate Club provides students with opportunities for public speech, leadership, and collaborative group learning. Many of the girls also participate on the speech team.