THE WINNER OF THE INLAND EMPIRE DEBATING SOCIETY'S 2010 SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST WAS LAWRENCE BEALL-FREHNER

Lawrence Beall-Frehner an incoming junior at Redlands High School was awarded a $500 scholarship by the Inland Empire Debating Society at its June 13 meeting. 

   Frehner submitted a written debate paper entitled Wal-Mart, A Necessary (but not so evil) Evil in response to the Inland Empire Debating Society’s scholarship contest which presented the resolution: Resolved:  Wal-Mart is good for America.   

   Frehner orally presented his arguments to members of the Inland Empire Debating Society (IEDS) at its monthly meeting held at the Denny’s in Redlands.  IEDS has been actively involved in presenting televised debates on current issues for the past 14 years and its programs are featured on local cable stations KCET and KVCR.   

   Frehner argued in the affirmative of the resolution arguing that Wal-Mart provides vital necessities to families all across America without raising prices to the exorbitant levels of other companies, so families can afford the things they need, and thus making a direct impact on the lives of every American from sea to shining sea, basically showing that Wal-Mart raises the quality of life because they provide for us, we the people of the United States. 

   Frehner said Wal-Mart is an example to all Americans and that it represents the spirit of America, in that the economic opportunity of our country allows everyone to have a chance at the American Dream and that Wal-Mart gives extensive amounts of money to charities and in the form of grants to students to help them pay for their education. 

   Wal-Mart creates countless jobs and raises local tax revenues, which contribute to improvement in local schools and better infrastructure Frehner continued posturing that Wal-Mart is an absolute necessity and a blessing in these difficult economic times. 

   Frehner a native Redlander expressed that he enjoyed the opportunity to prepare a debate case relevant to a current issue affecting his community. Frehner said he is planning to use the much appreciated scholarship money for college and plans to go on to film school.  Frehner is an AP/Honors student at Redlands High School, a member of the water polo and swim teams and a Varsity member of the RHS Speech and Debate Team. This past year was Frehner’s first year as a member of the Speech and Debate team where he qualified for the State tournament in Student Congress. 

   IEDS founder Edith Smart presented Frehner with his scholarship award in the form of a check in the amount of $500.  The mission of the IEDS is to bring to the citizenry of the inland empire, accurate and thoroughly researched debates on all issues of the day. By doing so, IEDS hopes to stimulate better voter participation and to develop a more enlightened electorate.