Valentine's Day tournament proves Middle and Elementary Schools love debate!

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Fri, 02/20/2009 - 6:00pm

Saturday, February 14, 2009 was Valentine's Day, and this time it didn't rain or snow! Most of the day was overcast but the swell of nonstop excitement permeated the 082 complex in a way that was heightened with the power of love. Many of us have established traditions that signal the observance of Valentine's Day and now we have a new one: celebrating the debaters of the Baltimore Urban Debate League family's Elementary/Middle School Division. Whoo-hoo!

The doors of the Dr. Roland N. Patterson Academy were open wide once again to accommodate the Elementary/Middle School Division and everyone pressed forward with excitement. Thank you to all of our administrators and supporters who made the day possible, including Principal Matt Wernsdorfer - CIVITAS and:

  • Principal Dana Polson - ConneXions
  • Principal Shawn Toler - KIPP
  • Principal Rebekah Ghosh - MATHS

 

A call went out for additional on-site support and two of our middle school debate coaches gladly stepped forward to assist. Kudos to Mr. Michael Washington from Winston and Mr. Isa Coleman from Margaret Brent for making such a positive difference throughout the day. They wear their many hats quite well.

Along with manning the various parts of the building and supervising debaters, maintenance of the facility is always necessary. Enter Mr. Rigoberto Canales who has very ably filled that role for the past two consecutive tournaments. Joining him on February 14th was his very capable colleague, Mr. Manuel Ramirez. Gracias, Mr. Canales and Mr. Ramirez! Your collective attention to detail helped the day run smoothly.

We have unabashedly adopted Officer Tony Atkins! He was his usual supportive self before the doors opened, throughout the day and he was still there until the last debater had been picked up at the end of the day. BCPSS, he is a valuable asset to our day and to the 082 complex. Major props to Ms. Angela Thompson and Mr. Paul Turner in Central Office who support us in hiring building maintenance staff and security to keep our debaters, guests and workers safe during the process.

A revved up Welcome to the first time attendees including parents and guardians, judges and general supporters who juggled busy schedules to make time for debate. We look forward to seeing you throughout the rest of our season. An equally heartfelt Welcome back to the apprentices, interns, alums and community supporters who returned to judge and assist where needed throughout the day!

Coach Kristin Taylor and Booker T Washington shared the Cardin Cup nod bolstered by a jubilant whiz kid liaison, Cody Dorsey. The rise and rise of Booker T. Washington's debate team embraces the tragedies and triumphs of a community of young people who use debate to transcend many of the negative forces at play. The accolades continue as we acknowledge the following schools, teams and speakers:

Elementary Division - TOP THREE TEAMS

  • Arianna Jennings and Alexis Wilson - Inner Harbor/Winston
  • India Langhorn and Dakota Crommer - City Springs
  • Miesha Scott and Foster Jones - City Springs

 

Elementary Division - TOP FIVE SPEAKERS

  • Arianna Jennings - Inner Harbor East/Winston JW
  • Lanae Christian - Francis Scott Key CD
  • Brianna Davis - Francis Scott Key CD
  • Kija Jackson - Inner Harbor East JC
  • Alexis Wilson - Inner Harbor East/Winston JW

 

Novice Division - TOP FIVE TEAMS

  • Jade Creek and Imani Jones - Stadium School
  • Kelly Jenkins and Selena Williams - Francis Scott Key
  • Tyquan McFadden and Aaron Fair - Winston and Francis Scott Key
  • Kenyon Green and Khalil Smith - Bluford

 

Novice Division - TOP FIVE SPEAKERS

  • Malla Dikshant - Roland Park
  • Jade Creek - Stadium School
  • Eddie Hawkins - ConneXions
  • Khalil Smith - Bluford
  • Genae Butler - Garrison

 

JV Division - TOP FIVE TEAMS

  • Ayana Watson and Jewel Choisi - Crossroads
  • Dorian Byrd and Martese Gaines - Crossroads
  • Caprice Medina and Rosita Ramirez - Holabird
  • Amanda Wise and Selia Sequoia - Stadium
  • Winena Cheek and Kadiqua Deener - Winston

 

JV Division - TOP FIVE SPEAKERS

  • Ayana Watson - Crossroads
  • Martese Gaines - Crossroads
  • Jewel Chiosi - Crossroads
  • Shawntae White - Margaret Brent
  • Nakia Lynn - Francis Scott Key

 

Varsity Division - TOP FIVE TEAMS

  • Yanah Valkenberg and Darius Johnson - Roland Park
  • Andy Beck and Devin Brown - Roland Park
  • Damein McClendon and Terrell Rogers - Garrison
  • Sophie Sweeney and Denis Sweeney - Roland Park
  • Alesha Canty and Toni Byrd - Crossroads

 

Varsity Division - TOP FIVE SPEAKERS

  • Kamau Miller - Winston
  • Sophie Sweeney - Roland Park
  • Yanah Valkenberg - Roland Park
  • Oliver Robinson - Stadium School
  • Travis Carroll - Winston

 

TOP FIVE SCHOOLS

  • STADIUM
  • CROSSROADS
  • ROLAND PARK
  • WINSTON
  • FRANCIS SCOTT KEY

 

See you on March 14, 2009 for our last elementary/middle school tournament of the season when our resolution will focus on gun violence in Baltimore City and the discussion surrounding hand guns. Resolved: Baltimore City should ban hand guns. How do you weigh in on this topic? Join us to find out how these young debaters construct and deliver their arguments on this very timely topic.

 

 

 

Linda Wharton