PHOTO: Boston Mayor Menino poses with debates at BDL.

We have a report from the Boston Debate League udl@bostondebate.org . Check out their web page at http://www.bostondebate.org/

We want to thank you for the interest and support you've shown for the Boston Debate League this year. Building a program that can reach so many students in such a positive way is a truly monumental undertaking, and we owe so much of our success to the dozens and dozens of individuals who have volunteered their time as coaches or judges, served on our Advisory Board, donated money or materials, hosted a debate tournament, or offered words of advice or encouragement. We'd like to share with you some of the exciting news coming out of the BDL these days:

Mayor Menino Visits APS Debate

On October 26th, 2006, Mayor Menino visited the Academy of Public Service to congratulate their debate team on winning the JV division of the 2006 City Championships. The Mayor observed a demonstration debate and offered some off-the-cuff comments about the importance of debate and the obvious rigor of the activity these students had chosen to pursue. Click here or visit http://www.bostondebate.org/mayor.html to see some great photos of the Mayor with our debaters and coaches!

BCLA Kicks Off the 2006/07 Season

The Boston Debate League kicked off its third season with a tournament at Brighton's Boston Community Leadership Academy on October 28th, 2006. Forty students from six schools, many of them brand new debate, lit up the school with their energy and enthusiasm, helping us to put on one of our best competitions ever.

In the end, Josiah Quincy Upper School won the Varsity division, and top honors in the Junior Varsity division went to a hybrid team composed of one student from BCLA and one from Excel High School. The students had never met each other before, and only got paired together when their respective partners failed to show up on the morning of the tournament, but they made quite a team! Click here or visit http://www.bostondebate.org/BCLA06.html to see photos from the event.

Excel High School Hosts Tournament Two

Excel High School hosted the second tournament of the Boston Debate League's 2006/07 season on December 9th. After three rounds of intense competition, the Academy of Public Service emerged victorious in the Varsity division, with Excel High School coming out on top in the Junior Varsity. Click here or visit http://www.bostondebateorg/Excel06.html to see some pictures of the participants.

Upcoming Public Debate At Faneuil Hall

The Boston Debate League is partnering with Hostelling International and the Massachusetts Service Alliance to present a series of public debates at Faneuil Hall on January 20th, 2007. Along with a number of prominent guests, including AmeriCorps co-founder Alan Khazei, ten BDL debaters will share their talents with the city of Boston during the Find Your Voice 2007 event. We hope you'll consider joining us at 10AM at Faneuil Hall at 10AM for a celebration of debate and public service in the city of Boston.

Thanks again to everyone for all of your help and support. Enjoy the holidays and have a happy new year!

Sincerely,

Andrew Brokos and Dr. Laura Sjoberg

Coordinators, Boston Debate League