April 5, 2023 | By Kelly Cody
Boston’s Finest Explored Texas at the Urban Debate Nationals
Yeehaw, y’all! The Boston Debate League just returned from an amazing four day adventure in Dallas, Texas for the Urban Debate National Championship (UDNC) at Southern Methodist University.
The Boston Debate League brought a strong team of debaters and staff members to the tournament. Leading the charge were BDL staff members Kim Willingham (BDL’s Executive Director!), Josh Nixon, Douglas Matute, and Kelly Cody, who worked tirelessly to prepare a wonderful trip for the team.
Representing the Prospect Hill Academy were debaters Presley Simelus and Helena de Almeida, along with their coach Molly Dutton Sanderson. Boston Latin Academy was also well-represented at the competition, with debaters Brandon Ren and Rune Mozak, along with their coach Mosie Burke.
The trip was full of excitement from the moment we stepped off the plane. BDL debaters were thrilled to be in a new city and couldn’t wait to hit the ground running!
The first day of the trip was dedicated to traveling to the tournament, but the next two days of the trip were all debate. It was game time, and BDL debaters were pumped to represent Boston in the national championship! Despite not placing in the top ranks, the teams showed incredible sportsmanship and professionalism, impressing judges and other competitors alike with their well-researched arguments and confident delivery. These debaters showed incredible dedication and perseverance, despite the difficult competition of the tournament.
But the fun didn’t stop there! After the tournament, the teams spent their last day of the trip exploring Grapevine, a charming town just outside of Dallas, and were blown away by the warm hospitality of the locals and quirky souvenirs like canned armadillo meat. They had a blast trying out classic Texas dishes like Tex-Mex and tacos, all while taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
The trip was a huge success, both academically and socially. BDL debaters gained valuable experience and skills that will serve them well in future competitions, but they also got to have a ton of fun and create memories that will last a lifetime. Together, this group of debaters and coaches formed a tight-knit community, supporting each other throughout the competition and making the most of their time in Texas. They bonded over shared experiences and created lasting friendships, further demonstrating the power of debate to bring people together.
Overall, the BDL is incredibly proud of our team’s performance at the UDNC and is grateful to all those who made this incredible experience possible. We look forward to continued success and growth in the future and can’t wait to see where BDL debater’s debate skills will take them next!
In 2021, Kim Willingham was named Executive Director – the first woman and first Black leader – of the Boston Debate League. Before being named ED, Kim served as the BDL’s Director of Culture and Engagement and prior to that as an Instructional Coach on the Debate-Inspired Classrooms team. Throughout her 20+ years in education, Kim has held multiple leadership positions. She began her career as a Teach for America Corps Member in the Crescent City – New Orleans, LA – where she taught 6th grade ELA and Social Studies. Kim earned an EdM from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a BS from Eastern Michigan University. Her experience also includes several years in school leadership and education consulting. Originally from the Motor City, she now resides in Dorchester with her two children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time in nature. Kim is grateful for the joy she gets to experience daily working with the students, teachers, volunteers, and staff of the BDL community.