The BAUDL crew on the Washington Mall.
Two teams just returned from Washington DC after becoming the first BAUDL teams to break to the Sweet 16 at UDL National Championships. Kim & Jack Mejia-Cuellar from Fremont High, and Jason Auro & William Hampton-Bruce of California College Preparatory Academy, represented the Bay Area against more than 75 debaters from 18 other cities.
There was non-stop action from the moment we left on a redeye flight Wednesday, April 11th until we returned on Sunday. On Thursday, April 12th we attended the NAUDL Annual Dinner, where BAUDL had the opportunity to meet and interact with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Jack Mejia-Cuellar asked US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan about his plans to increase high school graduation rates for urban students.
Touring the PBS NewsHour Studio.
Friday was a full day of sightseeing. BAUDL watched the Great Space Debate at the National Museum of Air and Space and visited the National Museum for Natural History. BAUDL had the opportunity to visit Ryan Saxe, a BAUDL Bear who currently works on the staff of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Ryan lead us on a tour of the US Capitol including Senator Reid’s office in the Capitol, followed by a visit to the PBS NewsHour to see the show being taped.
We are incredibly proud of both teams for making it to the elimination rounds of the NAUDL National Championship tournament. Many thanks to Dylan Groves, Ryan Saxe, Elizabeth Siarny, Erica Ramirez and the tournament staff of the NAUDL National Championship Tournament for making this trip an incredible experience for all!
