DEBATE-Kansas City (DKC) seniors graduate at a rate of 95% and most have the opportunity to attend college, many on scholarship. This past summer Corey Fisher graduated from Lincoln College Prep and was awarded a scholarship to join the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) debate team. Corey had a decorated career at DKC and is finding early success in college debate.
Corey first started debating in middle school at Lincoln Prep and competed in the event of student congress. He moved to policy debate in high school and excelled from the start. Corey was a three-time qualifier to the Urban Debate Nationals and twice advanced to elimination rounds against some of the country’s best competition. He senior year Corey qualified to the National Forensic League tournament in policy debate and was honored by a proclamation from the Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.
During his middle and high school debate career Corey attended five DKC City Championships on the UMKC campus, along with half a dozen workshops. He also received coaching support from UMKC debaters and coaches and even attended summer debate camp at UMKC. Now as he debates at UMKC on scholarship, including the Melvin B. Tolson Senior Award support by UMKC Communication Studies, Corey demonstrates the kind of educational opportunity DKC’s partnership with UMKC can create for area students.
Now Corey Fisher’s college debate career has begun with a bang. Debating with Jide Ajisafe, Corey has already advanced to elimination at regional and even national tournaments, including UMKC, Kentucky and Wake Forrest. They duo was also selected to attend the Val Browning Round Robin at Weber State.
DKC decided to catch up with Corey and ask about life debating for the Roos of UMKC. We also wanted to know about college life In general and what advice he might offer current DKC students.
Is college debate what you expected it would be?
College debate has been miles above what I expected. It is extremely competitive, yet so much fun. Everyone is a bit more invested in the arguments they make, so there is definitely a lot more passion in the activity. It motivates me to stay sharp.
What is your favorite part of college life?
My favorite part of college is probably the freedom. I have way more flexibility with my time, and what I can do with it. Even on a debate level, I have the freedom to express myself in a way that probably would have been shunned in high school.
How did DKC prepare you for college and college debate?
DKC was a great help. The coaching from DKC staff gave me insight into what college and debate would be like, before I had to experience it. None of the college experience was a major culture shock because of that. It definitely made the transition into college debate smoother.
What would you tell kids in the DKC program now? Any advice?
For anybody in the DKC program, stick with it. You have a large network of alumni who are here to help you go as far as you want. But you have to put the work in. Don’t cut corners.
You have been coaching a little this semester in addition to all your other tasks, what’s it like to be on the other side now?
It is very different. It makes me realize the mistakes I made, and what I should have done in those situations. I think the benefits are insurmountable. While helping another kid win a round, or learn from a loss, I’m also learning with them. It forces me to constantly think five steps ahead, which is necessary in any aspect of life
Anything you want us to know?
Thank you DKC.
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Corey, I continue to be so proud of you! Congratulations on your college debate achievements. I’m not at all surprised. Nor am I surprised, though I’m still gratified, to see that you’re already “giving back” by helping younger debaters taste success, too. As always, we’ll done!