Orrick Hosts Interview Workshop for SVUDL Students

Nine SVUDL students and alumni attended an interview skills workshop hosted by Associates and Summer Associates at the Menlo Park office of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. The session introduced participants to common interview questions, preparation strategies, and ways to connect their experiences to the position or opportunity they are seeking.

Participants discussed the importance of researching an employer, reviewing the job description, preparing examples from their academic and extracurricular experiences, and asking thoughtful questions about a workplace. SVUDL alumnus Noah Becerra reflected, "I'm glad to know what an interview is like... Now, I know how to prepare for one and I can take what I've done with my research for law firms and apply it to interviews."

Throughout the workshop, participants were encouraged to draw from experiences they already have through school, Speech and Debate, extracurricular activities, and previous work. The speakers explained that examples of resolving disagreements, contributing to a team, responding to failure, or organizing a project can help interviewers understand how an applicant approaches responsibility and problem-solving.

The group also discussed how to make interview responses clear, relevant, and conversational. Michelle Tran, a junior at KIPP San Jose Collegiate High School, shared, "I learned to make my answers a lot more genuine and to have stories ready, and to make things conversational. At first I was sort of robotic but he helped to make my tone more conversational."

The workshop concluded with small-group practice. Students and alumni prepared responses to "Tell me about yourself" and selected behavioral interview questions, then received feedback from Orrick team members. The practice gave participants time to turn their experiences into focused answers by explaining what they did, what they learned, and how those experiences connect to the positions they are pursuing.

Zakaria Aissous, a rising senior at Silver Creek High School, said, "I learned to not only present a narrative, but to keep it succinct... Keep it conversational but also keep it short."

Participants also practiced asking questions of an interviewer and considering whether a workplace might be a good fit. Megan Medeiros, a rising senior at Silver Creek High School, reflected, "I hadn't had a lot of experience before with asking the interviewer questions, either during or after the questioning period, so I got some good feedback from one of the Summer Associates about how to really go about asking your questions, like making sure not to ask questions that are too heavy or complex and to make sure you're still making a good impression while getting the information you want from the interviewer."

Thank you to the team at Orrick for offering such an impactful workshop to SVUDL students and alumni!

SVUDL Gave Me the Power to Make the Change I Want to See

What drew SVUDL alum and recent Santa Clara University School of Law graduate Marybelle Uk to SVUDL wasn't solely ambition — it was belonging. "Everyone at SVUDL is passionate about helping students succeed while also having fun. It was important for me to have a space after school where I didn't have to worry about parents, chores, or other responsibilities. It was critical for me to be around other people who also wanted to learn."

At SVUDL, she started finding her voice. Not all at once, and not without discomfort, but steadily. She describes her younger self as someone who could barely ask for ketchup at a fast food counter. “SVUDL gave me the tools I needed to just put myself out there and try. A lot of the conversations that matter are scary. SVUDL gave me the power to have those conversations.”

That shift shaped more than her confidence. It shaped her direction. "SVUDL encouraged me to pursue law school. It gave me the push from being that shy kid who couldn't really speak up for herself to being able to advocate for others who really need help. SVUDL shaped me as a person by showing me how to push through fear. It taught me that I could do it even if I was scared. SVUDL gave me the power to make the changes I want to see in the world."

Her first law school summer, interning at the Santa Clara County Public Defender's office, solidified her belief that all criminal defendants deserve to be heard and have their day in court. “Seeing how heavily some of these charges weighed on people and how unfair our legal system really can be was eye-opening,” she recalled.

She's carried that perspective into her current work at Santa Clara University School of Law International Human Rights Clinic where she recently helped draft an amicus brief for the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. "It's difficult to stomach some of the human rights abuses we read about but doing this type of work is critical and lets me keep using the skills I've built to push for change."

"Being able to interact with people in a legal sense knowing how difficult everything is to navigate and seeing the relief on their faces when things are resolved means everything,” she says, referencing her current work at a family law firm. She also somehow finds time to volunteer with Bridge to Justice, Second Harvest, and the Red Cross.

Ultimately, she sees her own story reflected in current SVUDL students. "You can see the impact by how many alumni come back to help as staff and judges. SVUDL has changed the lives of every student that comes through the program.”

Bend the Arc

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office "Bend the Arc" grant program has successfully distributed more than $280,000 in grants to almost 60 local organizations. Groups are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant funds to work against racial inequity in Santa Clara County. The grants come from the office's Asset Forfeiture Fund.

The grant program was launched in the wake of George Floyd's murder as part of the Santa Clara County District Attorney's broader reform efforts. SVUDL used the award to strengthen the Speech and Debate program at Andrew P. Hill High School in San Jose that enrolled over 300 students, primarily low-income students of color, including many English language learners. See this work featured in the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office video by clicking the play button above.

The arc of the moral universe may bend toward justice, but it doesn't bend on its own. It bends when we put our hand on that arc and nudge it forward. Thank you to the District Attorney's Office for creating real opportunity and helping to strengthen our community in the process.

From Silver Creek to the National Stage

This summer, Silver Creek High School student Dhyana Desai, a rising junior, represented both her school and the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League at the National Speech & Debate Association’s (NSDA) Nationals Championship Tournament after qualifying in the Program Oral Interpretation Speech event through the Last Chance Qualifier.

For Dhyana, qualifying for the national championship tournament marked the culmination of years of perseverance and dedication to Speech and Debate.

Reflecting on her journey, Dhyana shared, "I first joined Speech and Debate in 6th grade, not knowing how much it would shape my high school experience. Over the years, I experimented with different Speech events, trying to find the event that fit me best."

While many students focus on Debate or traditional Speech events, she discovered her passion in Interpretation. "What drew me to Interpretation was its ability to communicate powerful messages through real people's stories. I loved being able to advocate for issues I care deeply about by bringing those experiences to life on stage."

Dhyana's path to the national stage was defined by resilience and determination. Throughout the season, she competed in tournaments across the region, growing as a competitor. She earned her first Tournament of Champions bid at the John Lewis Tournament, while remaining focused on earning a spot at the National Speech & Debate Tournament. Even after falling short at district qualifiers, she continued pursuing every opportunity to reach the national stage. Reflecting on that journey, Dhyana shared, "Qualifying through the Last Chance Qualifier reminded me that setbacks don't define your journey, and that continuing to work hard can lead to incredible opportunities. After placing sixth at district qualifiers, I thought I was done for this Speech season. Thankfully, the Last Chance Qualifier gave me another chance to showcase my speech and advocate for a topic that deserves to be known."

Competing on the national stage gave Dhyana the opportunity to meet students from across the country while representing Silver Creek High School. "It was exciting to meet students from across the country, each bringing different perspectives, performance styles, and stories to share," she said. Between competition rounds, she enjoyed exploring the tournament venue, connecting with fellow competitors, and experiencing the unique community that the national tournament brings together.

One of the most memorable parts of the experience was watching some of the country's top competitors perform. "Their creativity, dedication, and passion inspired me and gave me new ideas for how I can continue growing as a competitor," Dhyana shared.

Beyond the competition itself, the tournament reinforced lessons that extend far beyond Speech and Debate. "The tournament taught me that success isn't measured only by final placements. Every round was an opportunity to learn, adapt to different judges, and become a stronger communicator."

Dhyana also emphasized that this achievement was made possible through the people who supported her throughout the season. "This achievement would not have been possible without the support of my coaches, teammates, family, and the entire Silver Creek Speech & Debate community, whose encouragement and feedback helped me improve as both a competitor and a performer."

As Dhyana looks ahead to her junior year, her journey is a reminder that resilience, hard work, and a willingness to keep growing can open doors to extraordinary opportunities. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing where her Speech and Debate journey takes her next.

Debate Centered Instruction Changes How Students Learn

As a SVUDL Teacher Coach and DCI Fellow, Mt. Pleasant High School Social Sciences teacher Mark Hartung didn't come to Speech and Debate through the traditional route. "I think I did one debate in high school," he recalled.

What drew him in was a deep commitment to student learning, and an openness to whatever tools might be most effective. As a parent who'd watched his own children move through an educational system that relied too heavily upon memorization, he felt something essential was being lost. "I wanted to be part of the movement to change how students learn."

At Mt. Pleasant High School, he found students who — shaped by difficult life experiences — had stopped trusting some of the adults around them. He wanted these students to know that he was invested in the human beings sitting in front of him.

Three years ago, he connected with SVUDL. What surprised him was what coaching unlocked in his teaching. "It allows me the opportunity to get to know my students outside of the classroom," he says. "That allows for a deeper relationship and I can be even more supportive."

SVUDL gave him footing — answering questions, offering resources — but always pushed him toward independence rather than reliance. "It wasn't static," he says. "It was a growth opportunity."

Not every student can make Monday Speech and Debate team practice after school with Mark, who has coached the team for 3 years. Some students have jobs, younger siblings to look after, or other responsibilities. The students who couldn't stay were missing out — and they had just as much to gain. That realization led him to Debate Centered Instruction (DCI) — a methodology for taking the core components of debate and embedding them directly into existing lessons.

The difference in the classroom is palpable. "What makes me most excited is when students are still debating the issues out the door after class has ended," he says. "They sometimes care more about creating an argument for a debate than they do about other assignments."

He also points to confidence as a result of DCI — something that became harder to come by in the years following the pandemic, when students grew reluctant to speak up in class. "They're learning how to make an argument, what evidence works and what doesn't," he says. "Those things underpin the growth of confidence I've seen in my students."

That confidence has moved beyond the classroom. Students have told Hartung their parents were excited to hear about the program — proud to see their child step into something like this.

For teachers hesitant to try DCI, Hartung has this piece of advice: "You might feel intimidated or uncomfortable because it's new to you. But the benefits you're going to see in your students are going to far outweigh that early discomfort — and that discomfort is temporary.”

Teaching has always been about preparing students for what comes next. For Mark Hartung, debate — whether at a tournament or in the middle of third period — is one of the most powerful ways to do exactly that.

SVUDL Helped Me Develop a Sense of Empathy

“You can't participate in Speech and Debate without public speaking. SVUDL has helped me become confident in knowing how to express myself,” says Eli Obero, a graduating senior at Independence High School. The skills Eli has acquired through SVUDL extend well beyond a Speech and Debate round. Public speaking is foundational, but the deeper impact has been intellectual. “The depth of research and learning that goes into the topics we work on within SVUDL is one of the most impactful aspects for me. It has helped me conceptualize the world differently than what is normally taught in school. We examine other ways of viewing the world, the dynamics of power, and how history plays out.”

Some of that history is the kind that rarely makes it into textbooks. “Debate has exposed me to sources, histories and perspectives that have been ignored, forgotten, oppressed, and erased. Facilitating arguments around these issues enabled me to have a deeper understanding of people in this country and the world who haven’t been treated fairly, and how we might work to rectify that. SVUDL has helped me develop a sense of empathy and to ask how we rectify the injustices in whatever relevant matter we are debating.”

That empathy has sharpened his ambitions. Eli arrived at Independence High with a vague idea of pursuing law or government. SVUDL turned that instinct into a direction. “SVUDL shaped my goals by clarifying what I want to do. I have done real research into these fields and explored the information vital to those roles. Now I can more fully understand what being in those jobs is actually like and what I’m truly interested in pursuing.”

Looking back, Eli sees SVUDL’s influence running through nearly everything about who he’s becoming. “I have become more confident and assertive in my ideas and how I express them. Through exploring different critical viewpoints and methods to address injustice, I have changed as a person and as a citizen. Ultimately, it can enable everyone to think about how we can strive to rectify past and current injustices.”

Meeting People Where They Are

Aleesha Kashif, Teacher Coach at KIPP San Jose Collegiate, didn't take a straight road to the front of a classroom which is what makes her such an effective Speech and Debate coach.

She started college as a psychology major, drawn by a deep curiosity about how diverse minds work. That led her to her first job as a Registered Behavior Technician, an experience that planted the seeds for a vision she still carries with her today: building an adaptive learning management system for neurodiverse children. Though she later shifted her academic focus to international business, management information systems, and political science, that early work never left her. "I hope to have the opportunity, experience, and skills to build it one day," she says. 

The path from that first job to KIPP San Jose Collegiate wound through substitute teaching — and a fortunate moment of recognition. A colleague spotted Aleesha in a classroom and referred her for an Education Specialist position. She embraced the role as a chance to sharpen her public speaking, lesson planning, and collaboration skills while developing individualized education plans for students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Over the past two years, Aleesha has co-taught English, math, and biology — identifying skill gaps and reteaching in a resource lab through diverse forms of instruction. Both English and biology wove in Debate Centered Instruction through Socratic seminars, where students discuss current issues and build on each other's reasoning in real time.

It was during one of those co-teaching classes that founder Mohnish Balaji overheard Aleesha mention her interest in pursuing law. He asked her to coach the Speech and Debate Club and help restart the program at the school.

Together with a small team composed of Michelle Tran and Yizhi Fang, Aleesha helped bring the club back to life. What started as a handful of students has grown into a team of roughly 30, in only the last two years -  with an average of 10 students competing at each tournament!

The growth has been more than numerical. The novice freshmen who joined in that first year are now rising juniors with real ownership over their craft. Julianna Herrera, the club's very first tournament attendee, put it plainly at the Championship: "Giving yourself courage to get out of your comfort zone can lead to becoming your best self." Raniya Sherefa, who joined this year, offered her own take: "Try something new -  you never know,  it might work out."

For many students, the club has become something more than a competition team. It's become a place to belong. Timothy Phan captured it with striking honesty: "Many turn to clubs as a way to escape their home and their pressures, but I come to Speech and Debate to go home and feel welcome instead." Michelle Tran added her own twist: "SVUDL has brought out my inner alpha."

First-year students spoke about the resilience they built along the way. Angel Rodriguez Lopez reflected on how the experience reshaped his relationship with discomfort: "When I was starting out, participating in Speech was pretty scary and was outside my comfort zone. However, participating in SVUDL has helped me get over that fear by pushing me to actively seek discomfort rather than stray from it."  Adam Garcia added, "SVUDL showed me that fear isn't something you get rid of, but when you act with fear, you'll develop courage."

Stanley Tran spoke to the longer arc, and the kind of transformation that outlasts any single tournament result: "SVUDL has pushed me to explore my own abilities and expand my skills and confidence into a philosophy that has shaped how I think and communicate beyond competitions."

For Aleesha Kashif, that's the whole point. Whether she's one day building the adaptive learning platform she's dreamed about, practicing law, teaching or coaching, she brings the same instinct: meet people where they are, and help them find what they're capable of and at KIPP San Jose Collegiate and SVUDL, she found a team and a community doing exactly that.

Debate Centered Instruction Teacher Fellowship Brings Student Voice to the Center

This year, the 2025–2026 SVUDL Debate Centered Instruction Teacher Fellowship brought together 34 Teacher Fellows from 15 high schools across 3 school districts—a powerful community of educators committed to transforming classroom learning through discussion, evidence, listening, and student voice.

The reflections highlighted here come from an informal focus group of more than 20 educators who participated in the Fellowship. The focus group was held at the San Jose Sobrato Center for Nonprofits on the evening of May 13, offering Fellows a chance to reflect together on what they learned, how their classrooms changed, and what the experience meant for them as educators.

Across subjects, grade levels, and school communities, Fellows explored how Debate Centered Instruction, or DCI, can help students do more than participate in class. It can help them think out loud, take intellectual risks, listen with purpose, defend ideas with evidence, and see themselves as people whose perspectives matter.

Throughout the Fellowship, teachers experimented with debate-based strategies in their own classrooms and reflected on what changed. One of the clearest themes was that DCI increases student participation—especially among students who do not always see themselves as speakers, leaders, or “debate kids.” Teachers described moments when students who typically stayed quiet began contributing because the activities gave them clear roles, concrete tasks, and low-stakes ways to enter the conversation.

Several Fellows noted that the strongest DCI moments did not begin with speaking. They began with listening. Teachers emphasized the importance of building classroom norms around listening to one another, taking turns, asking questions, and creating a comfortable foundation before students were expected to debate. When students felt prepared and supported, classrooms became louder in the best possible way: full of students chiming in, reacting to one another’s ideas, and continuing conversations even after class ended.

For many educators, the Fellowship also created a sense of professional connection that extended beyond any single classroom. As one teacher shared, “I've developed relationships with colleagues from across the district that I otherwise wouldn't have done, and I am grateful that I was able to have an impact on other fellow educators.” That sense of community mattered. Fellows were not simply learning a strategy; they were joining a network of educators committed to improving student outcomes together.

Teachers also saw that DCI works best when students are debating questions that feel authentic. When topics connected to real issues, lived experience, or meaningful academic questions, students were more invested. Fellows observed that students were not simply completing an assignment; they were taking positions, weighing evidence, and responding to the ideas of their peers. One teacher reflected that students began talking about real things and not just textbooks, making connections that might never appear in a traditional essay but came alive when students stood up and spoke from their own perspective.

Another major highlight of the fellowship was the way DCI shifted the role of the teacher. Many Fellows described doing less “spoonfeeding” and more facilitation. Instead of immediately telling students whether an answer was right or wrong, teachers encouraged students to find evidence, justify their reasoning, and compare stronger and weaker support. This shift required intentional planning on the front end, but teachers saw that the payoff was greater student independence on the back end.

For some educators, DCI also changed how they understood student success. One teacher reflected on the value of mistakes, especially when students were making those mistakes for the right reasons—trying to reason, explain, and engage rather than simply arrive at an answer. Others noted that DCI helped them focus less on whether a lesson went perfectly and more on what students were actually practicing: speaking, listening, thinking critically, taking multiple perspectives, and building confidence.

The Fellowship also highlighted the power of coaching, modeling, and partnership. Teachers repeatedly named the value of having SVUDL support in the classroom—not just as a resource, but as a source of encouragement, collaboration, and accountability. One reflection captured the impact of that support: “Often I feel alone at my site when it comes to collaboration and improving student outcomes, and I wouldn't have half the success I've had this year if it wasn't for you and SVUDL.”

The experience exceeded initial expectations. One educator noted, “I never sign up for professional development workshops, but when I read about SVUDL’s offering last June (2025), I thought that I'd maybe learn something, get paid for my time and move on; but it turned out to be much more.” That sentiment speaks to one of the central accomplishments of the Fellowship: it was not a one-time professional development session, but a sustained learning community where teachers could take risks, build relationships, and see real changes in their practice.

Most importantly, this year’s Fellowship showed what becomes possible when students are trusted with meaningful intellectual work. Teachers saw students relying on one another, taking ownership of ideas, using evidence, questioning assumptions, and discovering the confidence to speak as experts in the room. In a time when young people need opportunities to practice civic dialogue, critical thinking, and respectful disagreement, DCI offers something essential: a classroom structure where students are not passive recipients of knowledge, but active participants in building it.

The 2025–2026 SVUDL Debate Centered Instruction Teacher Fellowship was more than a professional learning experience. It was a yearlong investment in classrooms where students’ voices grow stronger, teachers become facilitators of deeper thinking, and debate becomes a tool for belonging, rigor, and possibility. This year’s cohort demonstrated that when educators center discussion, evidence, and student voice, classrooms can become places where more students are heard—and where more students begin to believe that what they have to say matters.

Congratulations to the 2026 John Dawson Leadership Award Winner: Ansor Abdulhamidov!

Named in honor of one of SVUDL’s co-founders, the John Dawson Leadership Award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and integrity within their Speech and Debate community. This year, Ansor Abdulhamidov of Mt. Pleasant High School stands out as a student who embodies these values both in and out of competition.

Beyond serving as Mt. Pleasant High School’s de facto team captain and SVUDL Student Leadership Council representative, Ansor is a steady and supportive presence for his peers. He consistently models strong sportsmanship, treating teammates and opponents with respect. Even after difficult or controversial losses, he maintains composure and positivity, setting a standard for others to follow.

Ansor has also demonstrated leadership beyond the classroom and competition space. This semester, he collaborated with Caitlynn Balangue (William C. Overfelt High School) to organize an inter-school scrimmage that was largely student-led and student-organized. The event brought together students from multiple schools and created additional opportunities for practice, connection, and growth within the league.

Despite facing challenges as a team throughout the season, Ansor has remained committed to debate with a consistent willingness to learn and improve. His persistence has translated into personal competitive success, including earning 1st place speaker in World Schools Debate at the 2026 SVUDL Larry Itliong Tournament. More importantly, his attitude has helped sustain and uplift those around him.

For Ansor, debate is more than an extracurricular activity. He says, “What drives me to continue to be part of the Mt. Pleasant team is the desire to make change in my community…one of my goals is to popularize speech and debate at MP.” His dedication is evident not only in his performance, but in the way he shows up for his team every day. In addition to debate, he founded the UNICEF club at Mt. Pleasant High School, further demonstrating his commitment to leadership and community impact.

Ansor says that debate is important to him “because it helps people share their ideas fluently. I know many people who are smart, but are too shy to speak on stage or with confidence…Jobs and companies look for people who act confident in their skills, and confidence doesn't come naturally from anywhere else but debate.”

Ansor’s leadership is defined by consistency, humility, and care for others. He leads without seeking recognition, and his impact is felt across his team and the broader debate community. Congratulations to Ansor!

Congratulations to the 2026 Jennie Savage Courage Award Winner: Caitlynn Balangue!

Named in honor of one of SVUDL’s co-founders, the Jennie Savage Courage Award recognizes students who demonstrate resilience and a commitment to growth in the face of challenges. This year, Caitlynn Balangue of William C. Overfelt High School exemplified these qualities through her leadership, persistence, and dedication to her team.

Anyone who knows Caitlynn knows that she brings energy and authenticity to every space she enters. She is outgoing, unafraid to be herself, and quick to build connections with teammates and opponents alike. That openness has translated into leadership, as she has become a central figure on the Overfelt Speech and Debate team both inside and outside of practice.

Now in her second year representing Overfelt High School on SVUDL’s Student Leadership Council, Caitlynn has taken initiative well beyond what is expected. At practices, she regularly shares updates about upcoming events without prompting, ensuring her team stays informed and engaged. Her leadership is not limited to communication, but extends into action.

Caitlynn has played a key role in rebuilding and expanding the Overfelt High School Speech and Debate program. She led recruitment efforts by completing club paperwork, creating materials for Club Rush, and representing the team across multiple days of outreach. She also launched and manages the team’s Instagram account, using creativity and humor to keep members engaged and informed. As a result of her efforts, the team has grown from approximately five regular members last year to as many as fifteen students attending practice each week.

Her leadership has also extended beyond her own school. This semester, she collaborated with Ansor Abdulhamidov of Mt. Pleasant High School to organize an inter-school scrimmage, creating additional opportunities for students across programs to practice and connect.

Caitlynn’s journey in debate is defined by persistence. In her first year, she faced challenges in competition and did not experience early competitive success. However, she continued to attend practices and tournaments with a positive attitude, demonstrating a level of commitment that has led to significant growth in her speaking and debating abilities. Today, she is recognized as one of the strongest debaters on her team.

For Caitlynn, debate represents more than competition. Her commitment to the activity is evident in the time and energy she dedicates to her team and her own development. Caitlynn says that Speech and Debate matters to her because “it's really enjoyable and makes me feel good…What drives me to be part of the Overfelt team is being able to be with my friends and like-minded people, working towards the same goal of improving our speaking skills.”

These skills will serve her well in the future: she hopes to attend college and has demonstrated the academic ability and drive to succeed. With continued support and access to resources, she is well positioned to reach her full potential.

Caitlynn Balangue’s story is one of resilience, initiative, and growth. She leads with authenticity, uplifts those around her, and continues to push herself forward despite obstacles. Congratulations to Caitlynn!

Keeping Our Community Safe: A Partnership with the Allison Rose Foundation

In March, SVUDL staff earned certifications in CPR/AED, basic first aid, and epinephrine auto-injector training. It's a step we're making to better equip our team to serve the community.

A key part of that journey has been our partnership with the Allison Rose Foundation (ARF), a nonprofit dedicated to food allergy education, awareness, and advocacy. ARF was founded by Michael Suhy in memory of his daughter, Ally who passed away from a fatal anaphylactic reaction during her freshman year of college. Ally had lived a full life with a severe nut allergy, supported by a close family and community — but her untimely death highlighted how critical food allergy awareness and preparedness matters, especially for young people stepping into new environments.

Michael personally led a training session with SVUDL staff, focused specifically on epinephrine use in emergencies. Our organization also received an epinephrine auto-injector and allergy emergency kit at no cost.

The value of this kind of preparation was underscored recently at Fox Valley Technical College in Wisconsin, where EMT students put their newly learned CPR skills to use when their instructor went into actual cardiac arrest during a simulated heart attack exercise. It's a good reminder that training is preparation for the moments that matter most — and that we all have a role to play.

Stories like these are a reminder that education and preparedness aren't abstract goals — they have tremendous impact on people. This partnership reflects SVUDL’s commitment to continuing to grow in how we show up for our community.

Special thank you to ARF for your generous partnership in education, training, and equipment.

SVUDL Students Close Their Season at the 2026 Urban Debate National Championship

Top debaters from across the nation come together each year for the Urban Debate National Championship (UDNC), hosted by the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL). In 2026, the tournament took place from April 10 to April 13 at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, bringing together students to compete in both Policy Debate and Debate en Español.

SVUDL was represented by eight students from Independence High School, Yerba Buena High School, and Andrew Hill High School, with six students attending in person and two participating virtually. Competing on the national stage were Brandon Ho and Eli Obero from Independence High School; William Nguyen and Ryan Luu from Yerba Buena High School; Dulce Trejo and Greidys Sotelo Gonzalez from Andrew Hill High School; and Aishell Villaseñor Barajas and De'Angelo Quintero, who represented Andrew Hill High School virtually. Together, they formed two Policy Debate teams, one in-person Debate en Español team, and one virtual Debate en Español team, closing out their season at one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year.

Pre-matched rounds of the competition began on Saturday, April 11, marking the start of a weekend that carried a different weight than any other tournament this season. While not the final tournament for all students, it was a culminating moment for seniors William Nguyen, Eli Obero, Ryan Luu, and De'Angelo Quintero, who were closing out their high school debate careers. Competing at Harvard University alongside some of the top debaters in the country, students approached each round with a strong sense of focus and intention.

From the beginning, there was a strong sense of unity among the group as they navigated the challenges of the tournament together and supported one another between rounds.

Throughout the tournament, students continued to grow not only as competitors, but also in how they understood debate itself. Among the Policy Debate teams, there was already a strong sense of unity, built from a season of working and competing together. They leaned on that shared experience as they prepared for rounds, debriefed arguments, and supported one another through the intensity of national-level competition.

For Dulce Trejo and Greidys Sotelo Gonzalez, the experience took on a different form. Competing in Debate en Español, they spent much of the tournament engaging more deeply with the technical aspects of debate. Through conversations over the course of the weekend, including time spent speaking with SVUDL Director of Programming Kwodwo Moore, they were introduced to the idea of debate as a game with its own strategies and structures. While they were not initially interested in approaching debate in this way, their perspective began to shift. By the end of the tournament, both students expressed a growing interest in competitive success and a desire to better understand the strategic elements of the activity moving forward.

Although SVUDL teams did not advance to elimination rounds, students approached the outcome with a high level of maturity. Competing at a national tournament pushed them to confront the difficulty of the activity at its highest level and better understand what it takes to succeed.

One standout achievement came from De'Angelo Quintero of Andrew Hill High School, who competed virtually and was recognized as the 7th overall speaker out of 14 participants. His performance demonstrated a high level of skill and composure, even while competing remotely.

For Greidys Sotelo Gonzalez, the tournament was also an opportunity to experience debate in a way that connected more fully to her identity. Competing in Debate en Español at a national tournament carried a unique significance, as it allowed her to engage in an activity she cares about in the language that is central to her life outside of school. Like many students, she often navigates two different worlds, speaking Spanish at home and English in academic spaces. Being able to compete at Harvard University in Spanish created a rare moment where those parts of her life could come together.

That experience, combined with the challenges of the tournament, led her to reconsider what success looked like. Over the course of the weekend, her perspective shifted from a focus on immediate results to a desire to grow and improve within the activity.

After the final rounds concluded on Sunday evening, students gathered to close out the weekend together. Over ice cream, conversations centered on what it meant to have competed at Harvard University and how the tournament had shaped their understanding of debate. Students spoke about what they had learned and the challenges they faced over the course of the weekend.

Reflecting on the experience, SVUDL’s Administrative and Operations Manager Jenet Manuel shared: “I’ve attended many local tournaments with our students, but this was my first time traveling with them—especially to compete at such a prestigious event at Harvard University. It was an incredible experience to witness their commitment, preparation, and the strong support from their families and schools.

They endured long days with so much enthusiasm—from the excitement of being on Harvard’s campus to walking around Cambridge together. Those moments felt truly special.

What stood out most was seeing their faces after each round. Whether they won or lost, they approached every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. Being part of that journey allowed me to see how much our students are evolving, and it makes me excited for all that lies ahead for them.”

Jordan Stone, a teacher at Independence High School and chaperone for the school district, shared his perspective about travel, noting,“I believe it is important for students to see other cities, towns and places in the U.S. and the world so they can expand their horizons and see different communities and ways of life. I think it is important for students who may otherwise never consider attending school or accessing other experiences and institutions such as Harvard or MIT to help them be able to imagine themselves somewhere like that… Students definitely learned and improved their communication skills and awareness of people and what was going around them. I think competing at the Championship tournament was a great experience to expose them to a wider world of debate and see how transformative the practice and skill can be.”

For Greidys Sotelo Gonzalez and Dulce Trejo, the experience sparked a new interest in deepening their engagement with debate. Both students expressed a desire to attend a summer camp to further develop their skills, particularly in Policy Debate, so they could incorporate more technical elements into their work in Debate en Español.

The 2026 Urban Debate National Championship marked more than the end of a tournament. For SVUDL students, it was an opportunity to recognize how far they had come over the course of the season. From competing on a national stage to developing a deeper understanding of the activity, the experience will continue to shape how they approach debate moving forward.

Annual SVUDL Alumni Dinner Celebrates Community and Connection

Last month, SVUDL hosted its Annual Alumni Dinner, an evening centered on connection, reflection, and celebration of our SVUDL community. Alumni from across generations joined us, from those who competed in Speech and Debate over a decade ago to students completing their first year of college, alongside members of the SVUDL Board of Directors and Advisory Committee, community partners, and staff.

CEO Rolland Janairo, opened the evening by welcoming attendees and expressing gratitude for the continued strength of the SVUDL community and family. Kwodwo Moore, SVUDL’s Director of Programming, followed by emphasizing the importance of alumni engagement and highlighting what has been a particularly strong year of involvement and community building.

The evening quickly came to life as attendees engaged with icebreaker questions placed on their name tents, sparking more meaningful conversations. Over a shared meal of Italian cuisine, alumni reconnected with old friends, met new faces, and built connections across different stages of life and career.

For many, the night was also a moment of reflection. As alum Kierra Jackson shared, “It was great catching up with other SVUDL alum, staff, and board members. It’s been 10 years since I joined SVUDL as a high school sophomore, and I truly see how many people devoted their time and energy to my success. It always feels good to come home and see those who laid a foundation for the young professional I would eventually become.”

Throughout the evening, alumni also had the opportunity to build relationships with SVUDL Board and Advisory Committee members, gaining firsthand insight, mentorship, and connections to support their academic and professional paths.

Reflecting on the experience, Ojas Gandhi (current student at UC Santa Cruz) shared, “I was thankful to be invited to such an amazing event that brought alums from different paths in life together with the SVUDL team and Board members. From education and networking to industry and high school counseling, it was a very insightful night.”

Moments like these underscored the deeper impact of the evening. As Director of Programming Kwodwo Moore reflected, “I had a great time seeing alumni, both old and new, eating together and sharing their stories of debate and how those stories have carried them through their lives. It was a demonstration of the power of not only debate, but the community that their presence created. They are the reason I do this job, and this was a beautiful reminder of that for me. It means even more that our alumni were the ones who planned and executed this dinner!”

A highlight of the evening was honoring our Community Partner of the Year, Vu Quang. Vu has been a constant and impactful presence in the SVUDL community, attending nearly every tournament and alumni event, mentoring current Policy Debate students at his alma mater of Yerba Buena High School, and generously sharing his knowledge. This year, he has also taken on an active coaching role with Yerba Buena teams and supported students through the Urban Debate National Championship tournament. His dedication, consistency, and quiet leadership have made a lasting difference for students and the broader SVUDL community.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and helped make this evening so special, especially our Board and Advisory Committee members for their continued support. Events like these remind us that SVUDL is more than a program - it’s a lifelong community.

Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Trea Li is stepping into her senior year at Yerba Buena High School with something many people spend years searching for - a sense of where she belongs. As a SVUDL student, she's found it in a Speech and Debate room, surrounded by teammates who feel like family.

At her final Impromptu Speech tournament during the 2026 SVUDL Championship, that belonging crystallized into a moment she'll carry with her long after graduation. "I was touched to see my opponents, many younger than me, already show so much improvement," she reflects. "Watching their progress reminds me of where I started, and it gives me joy to know that we've all positively affected each other to keep growing in our own journeys."

As a sophomore, Trea was quietly worried about her lack of extracurriculars when her great aunt offered a piece of advice that changed everything. "She emphasized how oral skills were crucial — not just academically, but for every aspect of life. That's how I found myself inside my school's Speech and Debate room, ready to try something new even if it was slightly nerve-racking." The risk paid off beyond anything she'd anticipated. "Not only did I improve my speaking skills as I set out to do, but I also made lifelong friendships."

What pleasantly surprised her most was the powerful sense of community. "When I first discovered this safe space, I was surprised by how underground it seemed, because it was a whole elaborate society I didn't know about before," she says. "We're pretty small, but also tight-knit." The rituals are unmistakably their own: downing soy sauce packets after tournaments, sending seniors off with scavenger hunts, and conversations that swing freely from silly gossip to heartfelt life advice. "Just learning more about each other through each meeting in our Speech and Debate room is something I'll cherish forever."

She says her team consists of the most passionate and supportive people she knows. When Trea won her first award at her second Impromptu Speech tournament, "they all erupted into cheers and I could still hear them from the front of the room," she recalls with a smile. Her competitors have been equally generous. "After each speech, we'd compliment each other's performances, and the intimidating wall of an opponent crumbled. SVUDL is a place where you can find so many talented people in just one room, meet role models, and build new connections."

That spirit of pushing past fear has a name in Trea's world, and it came from the person who helped shape her most. Her advisor, Ms. La, handed her a phrase that became a personal north star: get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It sounds simple, but Trea has lived it. "Every time my legs shake when I first start speaking, or when my brain blanks during a sentence, I push through it and come out stronger," she says. "I will be reminded of my SVUDL journey every time I face a challenge, and I will push myself to try new things that intrigue me, even if I'm terrified at first."

It's a mindset she'll be carrying with her this fall when Trea heads to UC Berkeley to study Materials Science and Engineering. Whether it's collaborating with peers on sustainability research or performing in dance and music, the confidence she found in that small, tight-knit Speech and Debate room will stay with her as her next chapter unfolds.

SVUDL Welcomes Payton Fong to the SVUDL Advisory Committee

We are honored to welcome Payton Fong to the SVUDL Advisory Committee (AC). Payton Fong is an intellectual property attorney at White & Case in Silicon Valley, and joins a distinguished group of professionals dedicated to providing mentorship and career exploration opportunities for SVUDL students and alumni. Through their relationships with AC members and their networks, SVUDL students and alumni will strengthen their social and professional capital.

Payton's journey to law began with his middle school Speech and Debate team. Those early experiences uncovered a passion for public speaking and argumentation that only deepened through high school and college, ultimately leading him to pursue a legal career.

Payton earned his Juris Doctor from Berkeley Law, where he volunteered as an asylum caseworker with the Afghan Scholars Project, served as a research assistant with the Asian Law Caucus, and clerked for the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. Today, as an IP litigator at White & Case, Payton handles Section 337 Investigations before the International Trade Commission, as well as patent and trade secret disputes in U.S. District Court. He also remains committed to pro bono work in the areas of civil rights and employment law.

Payton sees his role on the Advisory Committee as a bridge, connecting students and alumni to professional opportunities and real world guidance he wishes he'd had earlier access to in his own journey. "There were a lot of things I wish I knew when I first started thinking about a career in law. I hope to share my experiences and the lessons I learned as a mentor to SVUDL students. I'm here as a resource for anyone who wants to learn more about applying to law school and studying for the bar."

Beyond the technical skills of research and legal argumentation, Payton emphasizes the value of abilities that translate across any career path. "I think there are other skills I've learned that are useful in any career: being able to work well in a team and being able to communicate complex ideas into something easy to understand," he noted.

And at the heart of it all, he carries a deep appreciation for the community that Speech and Debate created. "I remember fondly the friendships I made in Speech and Debate. What made Speech and Debate especially worthwhile to me was belonging to a community of really smart and passionate people."

It’s Easy to Feel Like You Belong

For Yerba Buena High School SVUDL student Jennifer Lam, competitive Speech and Debate has been more than an extracurricular activity. It has been a transformation.

"I've definitely become a stronger speaker through my experience with SVUDL," Jennifer reflects. "Competing at Speech tournaments has constantly pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible. When I'm doing Original Oratory, I learn about an issue that I care deeply about and equally important, SVUDL gives me the platform to make others care about it, too."

That growth didn't happen in isolation. Jennifer credits the competitive environment itself. "When I enter tournaments, I may be surrounded by people who are more skilled than I am, and there is so much to learn. Whether it's roadmapping a speech or presenting an argument in a unique way, I can learn from observing the strengths I see in others."

She also discovered something unexpected along the way: the sheer breadth of what Speech and Debate has to offer. "I was surprised by the diversity of events to enter. There are so many different styles to explore, and getting to try them was genuinely exciting."

Jennifer's journey with SVUDL began almost by chance. A friend's curiosity about the school's Speech and Debate club first enticed her to try it. "I kept going to more meetings and was introduced to World Schools Debate. Near the end of my sophomore year, my friends and I competed in our first SVUDL tournament as a World Schools team," she recalls.

Now, Jennifer sees her participation as part of something larger. "It's impossible to create a better world for everyone if we only listen to a small group of voices. There will always be something we fail to consider," she says. "When people from different backgrounds and lived experiences all contribute to a goal, you're able to create a world that's better for everyone."

But what she values most about SVUDL is the community that surrounds it. "Even outside of my own team, everyone I've met has been kind and supportive. At tournaments, it's easy to strike up a conversation with competitors from other schools — they're always offering encouragement. It's easy to feel like you belong."

SVUDL Showed Me that the Only Person Limiting Me is Myself

When Isabella Hernandez first joined SVUDL as a sophomore at Downtown College Prep, she thought it might sharpen her speaking skills. Three years later, she discovered it changed something much deeper.

"I have learned to rely on myself," she says, now a senior at Latino College Preparatory Academy. "I used to depend on the opinions of others – my family, friends, or classmates. Impromptu Speech pushed me to trust my own intelligence and think on my feet. By stepping away from what others thought, I developed the ability to believe in myself."

That belief didn't come overnight. Starting as a sophomore, Isabella often felt like she was a few steps behind. But she kept showing up. By the start of her senior year, she took on an entirely new challenge: World Schools debate. "It was completely different from anything I was used to," she recalls. "But I applied myself and tried really hard. These experiences showed me that the only person stopping me — and limiting me — is myself."

What's surprised her most isn't the trophies or the tournament wins. It's the growth she didn't see coming. "I never thought I'd be here telling others about my experience with Speech and Debate," she reflects. "It's an invisible kind of growth. It's the confidence I've developed, and the friendships I've made."

Central to that experience has been community. Isabella describes the bond among SVUDL students as something genuinely unique. "We've all seen each other grow and root for one another, because we all have the same goal: to try as hard as we can. SVUDL creates a safe space where you don't fail — you just learn something new."

That ethos extends to competition itself. "The excitement after countless late nights researching and a win is real," she says. "But so are the bonds you build working with your team. Competition within SVUDL creates a deep level of respect, because we're not competing against each other. We're competing with each other. We push each other to grow and discover parts of ourselves we didn't know existed."

Her coaches, in particular, have left a lasting mark. When college application season arrived, they were there for more than proofreading. "They would sit down with me and push me to be the most authentic version of myself," Isabella says. "Because we work so closely together, they understood my goals and my dreams. College applications can feel like judgment with schools comparing you to thousands of others. Having my coaches beside me meant I wasn't standing alone. In the moments I didn't believe in myself, their refusal to let me play it safe was the best support I could have gotten."

Looking back, Isabella is grateful for all of it, including the late nights, the nerves, and the growth. "SVUDL is committed to students," she says. "Helping them learn, providing resources, and being there both physically and emotionally when students need it most. That's what makes it so special."

SVUDL Welcomes Michael Whitman to the Board of Directors

SVUDL is excited to introduce Michael Whitman, our newest member of the Board of Directors.

Michael serves as Principal at PwC, where he partners with leading technology firms to develop and execute transformative strategies that drive operational excellence and deliver sustainable outcomes. With over 25 years of combined industry and consulting experience, he brings a remarkable depth of insight, a global perspective, and an unwavering commitment to impactful results.

For Michael, joining SVUDL's Board of Directors is a natural extension of values he has long held. He sees Speech and Debate as one of the most powerful tools we have for preparing young people for the world ahead.

"Speech and Debate programs provide students with invaluable skills that extend well beyond the debate round. They foster essential critical thinking and logical reasoning abilities. Students are regularly challenged to evaluate complex, sometimes ambiguous scenarios and to develop well-supported positions grounded in sound logic. Equally important, these programs teach students the significance of considering multiple perspectives, encouraging critical analysis before forming opinions. Ultimately, participation builds the confidence necessary not only to articulate and defend their viewpoints, but also to engage respectfully with opposing arguments. This is a quality that is indispensable in both professional environments and in society at large."

He is equally passionate about what these skills mean in today's world. "We are constantly surrounded by an overwhelming amount of information, which often leads to confusion and distraction. The ability to approach this information with a discerning mind is not only essential for navigating everyday life — it is a fundamental ingredient for career achievement. Speech and Debate equips students with exactly these skills, empowering them to sift through the noise and make informed decisions that serve them well both personally and professionally."

A lifelong learner, Michael holds an MBA from the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, an MA in History from San Jose State University, and a BA in History from San Francisco State University — an academic path that reflects the same intellectual curiosity he brings to his work with SVUDL.

We are grateful to have Michael's expertise on our Board. Welcome, Michael!

SVUDL Crowns its 2026 Champions

On March 7th, 64 students participated in SVUDL’s final championship tournament of the school year, hosted by Yerba Buena High School in San Jose.

In our Asynchronous Public Speaking division, Danielle Marie Garcia from Silver Creek High School won first place securing her position as champion! Special shout out to KIPP San Jose Collegiate students Stanley Tran and Elisa Nguyen for securing 2nd and 3rd place in this division.

In Impromptu Speech, Silver Creek High School swept the division winning all 3 trophies! Danielle Marie Garcia, Mikim Nguyen, and Katelynn Nguyen won 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place respectively! Asked about her experience competing in the Impromptu Speech division, Overfelt High School student Winney Jiang said “I was really shocked by how much I could learn from other people by the way they spoke! I loved seeing the different styles and the way people presented themselves. Their vast vocabulary, the way they changed their facial expressions and hand movements—it was really great to see.”

In Original Oratory, Silver Creek High School student Mikim Nguyen won 1st place and secured her position as the SVUDL Original Oratory Champion!

KIPP San Jose Collegiate won first place in the Public Forum division, winning all 3 top speaker awards! Congratulations to Stanley Tran and Timothy Phan on winning first place, and Michelle Tran, Timothy Phan, Stanley Tran for winning 3rd, 2nd and 1st place Public Forum Speakers respectively! Aleesha Kashif reflected on her experience as their Teacher Coach: “From my first tournament two years ago at Yerba Buena to my last tournament this month, I have truly seen my team come full circle. The kids have grown their skills exponentially, and I have grown mine while trying to teach them. These tournaments have definitely left a long lasting effect on my life that will carry on in all my communication moving forward.”

Our World Schools Debate division was a hotly contested event, with teams from 5 different schools competing to be number one. Our first place World Schools speaker was Anastasia Kolesnikov from Summit Preparatory, at what turned out to be her first tournament ever! Our top World Schools team was from Latino College Preparatory, with the students Kaysee Santos, Daniel Chavez, Isabella Hernandez, Sandra Montejo Zunun, Angeles Jauregui all pulling together to earn the title of SVUDL World Schools Debate Champions!

In the Policy Debate division, the top team and top speaker were both from the host school Yerba Buena High School. With Mandy Thach winning 1st Place Speaker and William Nguyen winning 1st Place Team, securing his position as SVUDL Policy Champion!

William Nguyen will be attending the Urban Debate National Championship (UDNC) in April with his partner Ryan Luu. Wish them luck as they represent our league in Cambridge, Massachusetts next month!

We also would like to celebrate some additional members of the SVUDL community for their hard work and dedication to our league over the school year. They represent some of the best parts of our league!

• Senior of the Year - De’Angelo Quintero (Andrew Hill High School)

• World Schools Debater of the Year - Hilda Huynh (Independence High School)

• Public Forum Debater of the Year - Collin Tong (Independence High School)

• Policy Debater Debater of the Year - Mandy Thach (Yerba Buena High School)

• Speaker of the Year - Augustina Apeh (Independence High School)

• New Coach of the Year - Aleesha Kashif (KIPP San Jose Collegiate)

• Team Spirit Award - Yerba Buena High School

• Rookie of the Year - Jasmine Sek (Overfelt High School)

• Judge of the Year - Luke Patusky

• Veteran Coach of the Year - Mitchy Rene (Silver Creek High School)

• Community Partner - Vu Quang (Yerba Buena Alumni)

• Most Valuable Teammates

  • Brandon Ho (Independence High School)

  • Alana Vu (Yerba Buena High School)

  • Stephanie Macedino (Luis Valdez Leadership Academy)

  • Elisa Nguyen (KIPP San Jose Collegiate)

  • Katelynn Nguyen (Silver Creek High School)

  • Logan Brown (Summit Preparatory High School)

  • Evelin Pinon (East Palo Alto Academy)

  • Isabella Hernandez (Latino College Preparatory Academy)

  • Charlie Tu (Mt. Pleasant High School)

  • Frankie Marin (Andrew Hill High School)

  • Floreza Daquioag (Overfelt High School)

  • Francisco Ibarra (James Lick High School)

Sharing final reflections, KIPP San Jose Collegiate student Julie Herrera-Castellanos offered, “At this tournament, I learned that giving yourself courage to get out of your comfort zone can lead to becoming your best self.” The SVUDL team continues to be deeply proud of all our student competitors. Congrats to all of our students on another successful tournament and to all of our 2026 champions and award winners. And thank you to the team at Yerba Buena High School for hosting and volunteering!

SVUDL Made Me More Grateful

For Latino College Prep Academy student Daniel Chavez, Speech and Debate has been more than an extracurricular activity — it has been a doorway to opportunities he never imagined for himself.

"The opportunities provided by SVUDL are phenomenal," Daniel says. "I've gained access to events like Words to the Wise and I RESOLVE, which gave me so many chances to meet new people. I'm especially grateful for the opportunity to compete nationally in World Schools Debate."

Beyond the tournaments and travel, Daniel points to the practical skills he's developed along the way. He credits SVUDL with sharpening his public speaking, refining his note-taking through techniques like flowing, and fundamentally changing how he engages with the world around him. "I feel sharper answering questions, more in tune with conversations — and I feel like I can finally win an argument," he says.

But the growth runs deeper than technique. "SVUDL has changed my perspective on life. The motions we debate have opened my eyes to real-world problems and how much change is needed in society. I'm more grateful now. I no longer take things for granted. My own problems feel smaller when I understand the scale of what's happening in the world."

That shift in perspective has carried over into Daniel's sense of purpose. "SVUDL gave me motivation to get out there. It gave me confidence. It gave me reasons to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. It made me a more informed person — and honestly, it gave me something meaningful to do on weekends beyond homework."

Remarkably, none of this was part of Daniel's plan. He first encountered debate through a class called the Art of Rhetoric and never expected it to stick. "I had no idea what SVUDL was," he admits. "My friend Hunter told me I should try debating and I said no — but then he mentioned there would be free food, and I was instantly in."

What followed was a string of memories he won't soon forget. At his very first tournament, the John Lewis SVUDL Invitational, Daniel placed second. He went on to place highly at numerous competitions and counts winning the SVUDL Championship in 2025 among the proudest accomplishments of his life. The journey also took him to the Tournament of Champions in Kentucky, where a last-round mix-up forced his team to concede after preparing the wrong side. "But I was still incredibly grateful just to be there, competing at that level,” Daniel recalls. Through every tournament and experience, one thing remains constant for Daniel: gratitude.