McKean County High School Students Debate Gas Drilling

Two McKean County High School teams debate the gas drilling issue

Penn State Cooperative Extension

High School Students from Port Allegany and Otto Eldred High School in McKean County, held a debate contest on Wednesday, January 5th, 2011.

The debate was held at the Port Allegany High School Auditorium. The debate centered on the question of whether allowing natural gas drilling is in the best interest of the state of Pennsylvania. Both sides did an excellent job of presenting and defending their positions, but in the end the Otto Eldred High School Students, who argued against the issue, won the debate and a trophy.

The debate was organized by Mrs Kelly Tarbox, Port Allegany, an IU9 Educator, Port Allegany High School Teacher, Mr. Aaron Clark, and Otto Eldred High School Teacher, Mrs. Naoma Hayden of Bradford.. Penn State Extension Educators, Jim Clark and Bob Veilleux, presented a seminar on Marcellus Shale at each high school to help the students prepare for the debate. They also presented Marcellus Shale information to the audience the night of the debate, while the judges met to determine the winner. Extension Educator, Jim Clark stated this was an excellent opportunity for Penn State and the School Districts to work together to help the students and the public understand a very relevant and important topic.

The Port Allegany Student Debate Team consisted of Jacob Stehle, Port Allegany, Jordan Edgell, Turtlepoint, Michelle Armendariz, Port Allegany, and Hannah Wise of Port Allegany. The Otto Eldred Team consisted of Courtney Miller, Eldred, Noah Jordan, Rixford, Jeffrey Kronz, Eldred, and Audrey Johnson of Eldred.

~submitted by Jim Clark, McKean Cooperative Extension Agent