On Friday March 10, the BDL hosted its City Championship Finals at the Museum of Science where four teams of middle and high school debaters from Boston and neighboring communities competed for the title of City Champ. To complement this year’s debate topic focused on Emerging Technologies – AI, Biotechnology and Cybersecurity, the BDL and the Museum of Science partnered to host the final debate of the season.

It was an exciting evening that included remarks from BDL’s Executive Director Kim Willingham, and Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley, and congratulatory citations delivered to each finalist from the offices of State Senators Lydia Edwards and Liz Miranda and concluded with staff, coaches and families invited to acknowledge and celebrate City Finalists before they headed off to the final round. Before and after debate rounds, debaters, coaches, families and guests had a chance to view an Omni Theatre show and explore the Museum’s exhibit halls, in which the final debate rounds were held.

Debaters competed skillfully across the Middle School Varsity, High School Junior Varsity, English Varsity, and Spanish Varsity divisions, representing Fenway High School, Boston Latin Academy, Prospect Hill Academy, and Everett High School.

Congratulations to the winners and a big thank you to the Museum of Science for welcoming the BDL community and partnering with us to celebrate our City Champ Finalists! Check out photos from the Finals below.