Imagine this: Imagine knowing both sides of 30 current issues well enough to intelligently and convincingly argue your point of view. Sixteen-year-old Kingston High School junior debater Sean Brislin can.
Sean has been in Debate for three years and is a team captain. He’s had his legislation chosen for Congressional Debate four times. About 30 pieces of legislation are picked from student submissions twice per year, statewide. Sean’s piece of legislation this spring has to do with State vs. Federal power.
With a smirk, Sean tells the running joke of Congressional Debate, “We are more productive than the real Congress.”
Debate Coach Lasica Crane’s pick for FAB’s featured artist says he is a true patriot at heart. “Speech and debate helps us become more active and informed citizens of the international community,” she said. “It teaches you to speak powerfully and persuasively in front of an audience and helps you to become a valuable and productive member of our democratic society.”
Sean also does a speech event called Dual Interpretation. For this, he performs a 10-minute selection of the book “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” with his debate partner Dietrich Hanson. Sean is the main character Denny and Dietrich plays a variety of supporting characters.
“I’m really impressed with how much Dietrich has stepped it up this year,” Sean said. “This is our second year as partners and this year we have taken our performance to a whole new level.”
And indeed they have. They placed fifth at the State tournament and will be going on to National competitions in Chicago and Minneapolis this May.
Sean, his younger sister, Mollie, his mother, a NKSD Occupational Therapist, and his father, an international banker, live in Kingston. “I like long walks on the beach, candlelit dinners and shopping,” he said. He also is interested in a career in law.
“Music has always been a part of my life,” he said When I was 4 I sang ‘God Bless America’ at my Grandma’s wedding.”
Sean played the Piano through elementary school, but switched to trumpet in sixth grade. Now he plays trumpet in the KHS band.
The performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” in last years’ concert was a thrilling contrast to the electronic and rap music he enjoys.
This self-assured, articulate debater and musician feels we are all political and must be proactive to cause change. “Power to the people!”
Speaking of: The NKSD Board of Directors declared May as “Arts Education Month: To celebrate, to promote, to take action and to provide equal access for all North Kitsap students.”
