CHAPTER 124: CHAPTER 124: THE START OF DEBATE 3

"Alright, we’ve heard the speech from both first speakers. Now, let’s move on to the second speaker from the Retention side. You may begin when ready," Teacher Annie said to the class, her eyes shifting to the next speaker.

Michael stood up, holding a few notes in his hand.

He was a bit shaky and unsure of himself. Standing in the center of the class with so many eyes on him made his nerves worse.

Compared to Andre, Michael felt lacking. Andre had been calm and confident from the moment he stood up, while Michael struggled to steady his hands.

He glanced at his notes, then looked at his teacher. Seeing the fear in her student’s eyes, Teacher Annie gave him a warm smile to reassure him and silently told him not to be afraid.

Seeing her encouraging expression, he let out a small sigh and smiled.

With that, his nerves began to settle, and his mind became calm. The boys’ team, watching from their seats, felt a wave of relief and happiness.

Holding the notes in his hands, he took a steady breath. He then stood tall, cleared his throat, and began his speech.

"Good day everyone. I am the second speaker of the retention side. I’ll be talking about one of the key strengths of the K to 12 program, which is academic retention and deeper understanding."

He glanced at his notes, then looked up to meet the audience’s eyes.

He knew that relying on the notes alone would not be enough.

If he wanted to make an impact, he had to connect with the class.

So he straightened his posture, steadied his breathing, and spoke with as much confidence as he could gather.

"Before, with the old curriculum, we were expected to cram too much in too little time. But with K to 12, students are given more time to absorb, reflect, and apply what they learn. That’s why we now have subjects like Research, Work Immersion, and Specialized Core Subjects depending on our chosen strand."

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his shaky tone. The weight of hundreds of eyes staring at him made it hard to focus, but he did his best to push through the pressure.

"This longer time in school isn’t just to make things harder. It’s to help students retain knowledge better. Because when we practice it in real life, whether through experiments in STEM or fieldwork in HUMSS, we’re more likely to remember and understand. That’s why K to 12 graduates are more prepared for college or even for entering the workforce directly."

He looked briefly at his classmates, many of whom were listening more intently.

"And most importantly," he added.

"The K to 12 program also gives teachers better training and updated learning materials, so we’re not just memorizing from outdated textbooks. We’re learning to think critically and solve real problems."

After saying this, he took a deep sigh, signaling that he was done with his speech. He glanced at the time.

And saw that he’s speech had lasted around 1 minute and 56 seconds.

Teacher Annie gave a small nod of approval, clearly satisfied. She then summarized the best parts of his delivery for the class to take note of.

"Thank you, Michael, for that informative speech. He emphasized how the K to 12 program helps students retain knowledge better by giving them more time to absorb and apply what they learn. He also pointed out how specialized subjects like Research and Work Immersion prepare students for college or work. Finally, he mentioned that improved teacher training and updated learning materials help students think critically and solve real-world problems."

"Now let us hear from the second speaker from the Removal side," Teacher Annie said as she gestured toward the next speaker.

This time, it was Kim who stood up. She was Ryan’s girlfriend, and the moment she rose from her seat, the atmosphere shifted.

She looked imposing, her posture firm, and there was a sharp glare in her eyes that made it clear.

It meant that she came prepared and she meant Busi-Ness.

As Teacher Annie looked at the second speaker standing at the center, she smiled and gave her the signal to begin.

Receiving the cue she had been waiting for, Kim nodded slightly and started her speech, holding her notes firmly in one hand.

"As a student, it’s really hard under K to 12," she said firmly, eyes sweeping across the room.

"We’re always buried in schoolwork, in projects, reports, deadlines, group activities even sometimes all in one week."

She folded her arms as if recalling a personal struggle, though her voice remained steady.

"Even when we want to do well, the pressure gets to us. There’s so much to juggle, and not every student has the time or energy to keep up, especially when we have things going on at home too."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, but in passion.

"Let’s not forget the financial part. Some of us can barely afford the extra years. Uniforms, transportation, allowance, school supplies, it all adds up. And for what? For some, it still doesn’t guarantee a job or a college slot. Many people don’t even finish."

She paced slightly as she spoke, letting her frustration add weight to her words.

But as her emotion built, the structure of her speech started to loosen.

"I know what others say, just like the second speaker said tha-that we will learn more," she said, pointing at Michael.

"But do we really? Or are we just more tired? and More stressed?" she asked, turning her gaze toward the classmates sitting silently in their seats.

Ryan sat quietly in his seat, watching as Kim delivered her speech with confidence and presence.

She was absorbing a large amount of auras for the girls side, putting pressure on the boys’ side, and that made him mad. though not in a bad way.

"Just wait till this ends, I’m gonna smack your butt for that," Ryan muttered to himself with a small smile, trying to hide his pride.

Even though he was on the boys’ side, he listened intently. He knew how much effort Kim must have put into that speech, probably staying up late just to make it perfect. Ignoring her hard work was never an option.

"I hear the same arguments all the time, but we’re the ones inside the classrooms, and I know I’m not the only one who feels this way."

Kim stopped, took a breath, and looked out over the room.

"That’s why maybe we shouldn’t have it anymore," she said with a smile, standing confidently as she waited for the part she looked forward to the most.

The Interpellation.

"Thank you, Kim, for sharing your perspective," Teacher Annie said, drawing everyone’s attention back to the front.

Some students in the class didn’t fully understand the speech.

What they focused on was only the argument itself.

Nothing more, nothing less.

"During her speech, student Kim expressed how students today feel overwhelmed under the K to 12 system due to heavy workloads, overlapping deadlines, and stress. Kim also highlighted the financial burden it places on many families and questioned whether the extended years truly lead to better outcomes. Her speech reflected the emotional and practical struggles that some students face within the current system."

"With that, we will now proceed to the interpellation. A representative from the Retention side may step forward to ask questions for clarification or challenge any of the points raised. Please keep your questions respectful, focused, and within the time limit."

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1st: Special thanks to ’Essos👑’ – the GOAT of the month, for both the rewarding gifts and golden tickets! Much love, brotha!

2nd: Big thanks to ’Pat_funding👑’ for the unwavering support since the very start of my journey and for the golden tickets and gifts!

3rd: Special shoutout to ’Devon1234👑’ – The same GOAT of this month, for all the amazing gifts! You’re absolutely RAD!