What could have been a difficult interview with Carter Gale, FAB’s featured artist, was anything but.

Times were tense with news from Missouri. Things did not seem right with the world, but the debate co-captain, a junior, kept me smiling when not laughing out loud.

After a year at West Sound Academy, Carter and his twin sister, Madison, decided Kingston High School was the best option for the rest of their high school education. Sharing most of their classes means a lot of “family time.”

Carter could have missed his last two years at “the funnest place I’ve ever been” by accepting entry into the University of Washington Robinson Center. Instead, he opted for, as he said, “the best education possible and it is at Kingston High.”

It is a busy season for the Debate Team. At this writing they have participated in five tournaments. Carter’s specialty is Congressional Debate, where students submit legislation ideas. He has a bill included in the 27 that were chosen: “Abolish the 16th Amendment.” In case you can’t recall that one, Carter reminded me it allows the income tax.

Debaters learn to argue both sides. Although they argue as individuals, they research as a team. Commenting on how the KHS team is doing, Carter said they are “kicking butt — taking names.”

He added, “The novices are doing amazing work. It’s scary. When I graduate, any record I have will be shattered.

“Love of the law and  legal backgrounds are in my family. My goal is to be a high-powered prosecuting attorney, with my ultimate dream being Harvard Law School.”

In his spare time, Carter participates in Kitsap County’s Youth Court, diversion for low level misdemeanors. Once a month, and after much preparation, he makes decisions at the Juvenile Detention Center with other students and with their mentors.

With Debate considered a sport as well as an art (competitive and performance), Carter points out that “it is a talent where the school and community can be proud of the smart kids.  We are all great winners and great losers. We have fun and we do it so well.”

He adds, “Humor is my greatest attribute. Even while debating my goal is to get a chuckle out of the crowd.”

Carter loves the rain and loves Kingston and Poulsbo. “It is home. I’m not a big crowd person. I’m glad I’m 17 because I have hopes for human kind. It’s only a matter of time.”

So on that upbeat note and with a chuckle, have a New Year filled with good stories, good memories and pride in our youth.