Twelve high school seniors and juniors have joined the BUDL staff as Apprentices, part of a peer-to-peer learning program sponsored in large part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Associated Black Charities and the Hoffberger Foundation. Over the course of the school year, the Apprentices will each mentor and coach a middle school debate team, organize a series of community-based public debates, and attend weekly three-hour professional development seminars. The Apprentices for 2007-2008 are:

Brittany Wedlock, a junior at Reginald F. Lewis High, likes to, "as a student and a person, take any opportunity that comes [her] way." Through debate she's "mastered many new skills" and has "become a part of [her] community;" two elements motivating her as an apprentice.

Vivianna Armadillo, a senior at Patterson High, has been debating for three years, time which has "expand[ed] [her] world from small to large." She has a "passion for debate, a passion for learning" and "feels that middle school students deserve to learn."

Sharrie McCain, a junior at Coppin Academy High, has in the past worked with students younger than herself in various after-school programs. In college, Sharrie intends to continue debating, as it has taught her the value of being a leader and a mentor.

Raymond Marks, a junior at Carver Vocational Technical High, enjoys "[helping] younger people" and "[getting] more people to like debate." As an apprentice he wishes to share the opportunity that exists in debate for a person to learn about new and broad subjects like Americorps, Peace Corps, and events in Africa.

Nicole Cheatom, a senior at Western High, has been debating since the 7th grade, an accomplishment that has helped her "become a better speaker, organize [her] thoughts," and taught her "to be more optimistic." Nicole is excited to share the love that she feels for debate with others.

Latin Graves, a junior at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High, believes that through debate he has become a better reader, problem solver and leader. He hope to use his Apprenticeship "to continue that success in teaching and mentoring middle school students."

Jerrod Stevenson, a junior at Francis M. Wood High, has experienced debate as a personally transformative and social event. He is excited to participate in the apprenticeship program as it will help him "become more of a different person."

Diamond Powell, a junior at Forest Park High, debate is a "fun, positive, and cool escape" that allows her to be heard. She intends to pursue college after high school and understands the apprenticeship program is a way she can do so.

Five years of debate experience has taught Danielle Keize, a senior at Maritime Industries Academy High, that "education is not just what a book says," but requires her own research. Danielle is interested in attending college in order to pursue a career in the field of aerospace engineering.

As a result of the debate readings and studies in which he's participated, Dwayne Jackson, a senior at Forest Park High, has recognized "limitless fields of potential within [himself] and in those around [him]." He is the co-captain of Forest Park's debate team and possesses resolve to change the world.

Debate has helped Denaya Barnes, a senior at City College High, to "mature as a person," and to "develop political skills and social skills." As an apprentice, she's happy to engage in work that she loves.

Bionca Brown, a junior at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High and a BUDLer for two years, enjoys helping her team's novice debaters present their cases. She intends to give middle school debaters "hints and tips on how to run and defeat a case" and to ensure that "they actually know what it is that [they] are debating."

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