BAUDL Summer Institute 08

Wow!  The first ever summer institute for the Bay Area Urban Debate League is over and everyone involved – from teachers, to students, to the administrators who got to spend some time with us – is ecstatic about the upcoming season and the unbelievable potential of Oakland high school students.  We had a steady attendance of about 40 this past Monday through Friday at Leadership Prep High School on the Castlemont campus.  Some students trekked all the way from West Oakland (an hour and a half long, three bus journey) to meet with us everyday and learn the art of critical argumentation.

Leadership Prep team captain Lonnie Wafer sports his big trophy from the summer institute.

The crew of debate experts we gathered from around the country could not have been more dedicated and supportive.  We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.  It was incredibly encouraging to see the students embrace their mentors and take advantage of their expertise and willingness to mold Oakland youth into the next generation of advocates and decision makers.  The exceptional talent of our students left all of the teaching staff speechless – they surely learned as much as they taught.

What’s next for BAUDL?

Our first tournament is scheduled for October 11th.  On this day, the bravest and brightest students from 11 Oakland high schools will converge on UC Berkeley’s campus to match wits and see who knows what!  The tournament will run from 9am – 5pm with rounds scheduled for 10am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm.  We encourage you to stop by and see your future leaders in action! Or, come experience an urban debate league awards assembly.  From 4:30-5:30, our students will be recognized for their outstanding achievements, cheer each other on, and celebrate their victories as we celebrate our own – the inaugural tournament for the Bay Area Urban Debate League.