The Year of the Rabbit began with debates in Kirkland. Three Chinese students and their coach visited Northwest University on Feb. 3–6 as part of a debating tour of regional colleges and universities.

The students visited Willamette University, Linfield College, Western Washington University, University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University and Northwest University as part of their American debate tour.

The three students were Tiger Zeng Qingxi, Kay Tang Xiaojiao, and Cindy Zheng Xiny. Coach of the team was “Younger” Yang Ge.

The Chinese guests arrived on the first day of Chinese New Year. They took part in an Impromptu Speech Smack Down competition with an audience of about 25 people. Both Chinese and NU students were given topics to create two to four minute speeches with limited time to prepare. Joe Castleberry, NU President, also volunteered to speak.

Topics included most embarrassing moment, Chinese vs. American food, Ghosts I would like to meet, and what gets you excited. Four judges evaluated the seven speakers and gave first place to Kay on the Chinese team, second place went to Max Mooney, NU team captain, third place was a tie between Shelbe Kukowski and James Bowser. Castleberry received an honorable mention.

That evening the Chinese joined with students on the NU debate team for a Chinese New Year dinner party at the home of Gary and Teresa Gillespie. Chinese coach Younger Yang Ge presented the Gillespies with a wall plaque depicting an ancient woman military general from a famous Chinese opera. Professor Gillespie gave a gift bag to each guest.

The Chinese students also debated Northwest University students at Kirkland City Hall on the topic: Reject social networking Web sites. The Chinese opposed. Max Mooney, Shelbe Kukowski and Elizabeth Moberg affirmed the motion. The judging panel included Rosemarie Kowalski, Autumn Witt and Morgan Chinn. The debate was televised and streamed on the web on KGOV cable television.