Independence High School student Nuha Khan first got involved with SVUDL after she graduated from a local debate academy. “Ever since I was younger, I always knew that I wanted to go into the legal and political field. Through various programs and field trips that this organization has offered me alongside the value that it taught me for collaboration, I now understand that anything that I want to accomplish in life is possible. As a first-generation college student, I understand how important Speech and Debate has been not only to the application process, but also how influential it has been towards me being selected as a prospective freshman. Speech and Debate never fails to help me with scholarships or other various advantages,” said Nuha.

Nuha knows that when she packs for college, she will be including significant SVUDL skills. “Aside from all the communication, public speaking, and research skills that I have learned within SVUDL, I think the skill of turning passion into vision and eventually into success is an experience composed of a variety of tools, such as teamwork and delegation, that I will take to college,” shared Nuha. 

Debate Centered Instruction  

In competitive Debate, students offer claims backed by evidence in respectful and intellectually rigorous conversation. Debate Centered Instruction (DCI) takes the energy of a public debate into the classroom setting by providing tools for teachers in every subject area to increase student engagement and develop student skills in argumentation, communication, and collaboration. DCI teaches students to exercise their agency and use their voice in the classroom, instead of passively relying on their teacher to provide “the right answer.” It showcases to administrators in our partner schools the academic value and rigor of Speech and Debate. DCI units often call upon professionals in the community to join the classroom with their expert knowledge, connecting the world of the classroom organically to the structures and institutions of broader society. 

DCI thrived at Andrew Hill High School in English classrooms in the Fall. Sophomores reading Lord of the Flies reflected on the classic question of nature vs. nurture, debating the prompt, “Is ‘evil’ behavior based in human nature or is it learned in society?” Led by English teacher and Debate Coach Rachel Carruth and SVUDL’s own Director of Programming, Dr. Robert Burns, students examined arguments on both sides of the debate and created arguments in support of both sides, focusing on questions such as the following that illuminated and developed key themes in their reading:

1. Is what we call “evil” simply a natural human drive for self-preservation?
2. How does a child’s upbringing and surrounding environment shape their behavior?
3. How can reshaping the norms of society change the behavior of individuals?

During the class, students not only had an opportunity to research contemporary examples of anti-social behavior, but they also constructed cases and cross-examined each other. Lord of the Flies is known for prompting interesting discussion in classrooms. Empowering students to take the lead on having those discussions through DCI tools promotes greater engagement, deeper thought and analysis, and the consideration of different perspectives. These are all skills these students will carry forward in their lives.

Gaganpreet Kaur is a SVUDL alum from Silver Creek High School, who is currently studying at San Jose State University and doing particularly well on the college debate scene. This year we sat down with her to learn more about her life after SVUDL, what college debate is like, and how she has applied what she’s learned during high school to her college life. One particularly notable moment for Gagan was when she won the Top Overall Speaker and Bronze Award at the Paul Winters and Pat Kennedy Invitational 2022. “Winning Top Overall Speaker was something I genuinely did not expect. When they started announcing the top three, I got a bit nervous because they still hadn’t called my name yet. By the time first place was going to be called, all I could think of was that I didn’t win a speaker award, but then they called my name! I was so surprised, because I had convinced myself I wasn’t going to get anything, and somehow, I ended up as the Top Overall Speaker,” recalled Gagan.

One of the most important aspects of SVUDL is community: many SVUDL participants continue to contribute to the SVUDL community after they leave high school. Gagan is no exception to the rule and has been actively supporting SVUDL as a judge. 

“I’ve been judging for about 4 years now. As a former debater, I know what it’s like to not have a judge and hope that you can find one in order to debate, so I do my best to support these teams. The experience has been great as it’s a good way for me to learn what works and doesn’t work in a debate round from the perspective of a judge, and use that information to improve my own debate skills,” reflected Gagan.

Gagan appreciates how SVUDL impacted her and prepared her for college. “Before I started debating with SVUDL, I was the stereotypical quiet, straight A student, but debating forced me to put myself out there. I became better at articulating my thoughts and being outspoken on topics that are important to me,” said Gagan. “If it wasn’t for debate and SVUDL, I don’t think I would be the leader I am and I would not have stepped up for the Lead position at work. Even now, it’s hard to imagine what my life would be like if I had not joined the Speech and Debate team in high school. It’s amazing to see the power that debate can have on a person.”

TEACHING the Next Generation of Civically Engaged Citizens

SVUDL’s Speech & Debate program provides high school students with leadership development opportunities rarely found elsewhere. Our program teaches students how to analyze and solve complex problems; research information and evaluate evidence; and speak and persuade, all of which are skills that will serve students in college and in life – and also to address the complex problems of our time. Our programming offers regular Speech and Debate practices and opportunities to compete; our dedicated coaches mentor the students in a variety of ways as they navigate the path through high school and beyond.

2022-2023 Teacher Coaches

Andrew Hill High School
Mike Winsatt & Rachel Carruth

Cristo Rey San Jose High School
Rachel Hedgepeth

Downtown College Prepatory
Jessica Lew-Muñoz

East Palo Alto Academy
Peter Otte

KIPP San Jose Collegiate
Hasanka Mudalige

Latino College Prep
Lindsey Perez

Oxford Day Academy
Latrice Bennett

Yerba Buena High School
Emily La

SVUDL has unique collaboration strategies for each of its schools. In each case, we work with Teacher Coaches to make Speech and Debate an organic part of the partner school culture. 

Independence High School is the home base for SVUDL Teacher Coaches Gretchen Larese and Graham Haworth. Gretchen teaches Expository Reading and Writing and Freshman English and was New Coach of the Year in 2022. Graham teaches English, AVID, and Journalism/Yearbook and was also Speech & Debate Co-Advisor.

Gretchen and Graham recognize the power of the SVUDL school partnership to open doors to college and beyond. They know the role that debate plays in a young person’s life and how it carries over into adulthood with a lifelong impact.

“The topics that are covered in debate make students more aware of the global world. Speech and Debate helps students see the bigger picture, rather than only their part of the world. When students actually connect all that they are learning during debate to the world outside, they can make more informed decisions about the larger world. They begin to question things that the media puts out and become critical thinkers,” said Gretchen.

The partnership with SVUDL aligns with Independence High School’s mission to meet students where they are and give them every opportunity to learn. 

“Being able to approach an issue thoughtfully, from all sides, broadens the minds of young people. It encourages them to remain open-minded about a topic they may not originally have believed in, and this may lead to some empathy for those who may not believe in the same things. Empathy is something this society needs more of and although you don’t have to agree with someone, if you know the reasons why they believe what they do, then a conversation is easier to have. This may lead to compromise and understanding,” said Graham.

Gretchen and Graham also emphasize the importance of students taking this partnership, education, and life experience forward to make positive changes in their own community. 

“Speech and Debate students are well-equipped to not only let their voices be heard at city council meetings, in our state and national legislatures, and at our peaceful protests, but also between individual community members,” said Graham. “Change comes from getting up from your chair, putting down your smartphone, and engaging with your community in real-time, in-person. These are the skills that Speech and Debate can teach,” said Graham.

Each year, two SVUDL students receive the Jennie Savage Courage Award and the John Dawson Leadership Award, named after the two co-founders of the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League.  

The Jennie Savage Courage Award identifies a student who exemplifies courage similar to Jennie’s entrepreneurial spirit in founding the league, and her persistent support through its early challenges. 

The John Dawson Leadership Award is based on honoring a student who embodies leadership in the way that John challenged the SVUDL Board to imagine the significance of the organization, not simply as a provider of Speech and Debate tournaments, but also as a training ground for future leaders to excel in their chosen fields.

This year, the Jennie Savage Courage Award went  to Cristo Rey High School’s 

Dali Guerrero. She joined her school’s debate team halfway through her freshman year, and quickly evolved into a leader of her club. 

“Being a woman coming from an immigrant background, we were taught to be quiet, stay quiet, and not to speak out. That’s how I lived, but once I joined the debate team, that all changed. It was the public speaking skills that helped me get out of that cycle.  I learned to use my voice. I work to expand debate because it is my goal to show everyone that their voice should be heard,” said Dali when asked to describe the greatest way debate has influenced her.

The John Dawson Leadership Award went to Michelle Tiburcio, a senior at Eastside College Preparatory School. She started her journey through debate in 2020 as a very shy sophomore student. Michelle has been a consistent presence year over year, and has acted as team leader during tournaments. Because of her involvement in Moot Court in 2022, she decided to get involved in San Mateo County’s restorative justice campaign which involved interviewing youth and speakers throughout the Bay. Equally important, she is a guide for her siblings as they start considering college and their futures. 

Congratulations to both SVUDL student award winners!  We are excited to see where their futures lead them next.

Tournament of Champions

In April 2023, top debaters across the country traveled to Kentucky to compete in the annual Tournament of Champions (TOC). The TOC is the premier invitational debate championship in the United States, founded in 1972 by Dr. J.W. Patterson, Professor of Speech and Communications and Director of Debate at the University of Kentucky.  He envisioned the competition as a place where finalists from national circuit tournaments around the country would have an opportunity to go head-to-head in a single championship event. 

The rigorous qualifying process for the TOC distinguishes it from the other tournaments, and it is regarded by many as the gold standard of national circuit competition. This year, Shadab Gazi Ali and Abhinav Reddy Bellapu from Silver Creek High School were awarded the honor to compete amongst the best and brightest in the TOC Public Forum Silver division. They are the first SVUDL students to attend the TOC in the history of our league. This is a particularly noteworthy accomplishment for students from a public high school: TOC qualifying schools are often well-resourced private institutions with extensive budgets and coaching staff.

After qualifying at the University of Kentucky Season Opener tournament, Shadab and Abhi prepared for the TOC with dedication and commitment throughout their debate season. The team was able to secure two wins amongst their seven rounds of competition. While it wasn’t the record they were hoping for, Shadab and Abhinav persevered and emerged stronger from the experience.   

Shadab shared this reflection: “The experience of debating against some of the greatest teams in the country, as well as watching my fellow peers from many different regions, brought an excitement that I have not experienced before; it thrills me to know that many future SVUDL debaters will one day follow my footsteps and participate in the highest level possible while making new friends and bringing success to our well-deserving team for years to come. Many elements of the trip will remain deeply precious to me in the future, as I am sure that they will influence me to become as dedicated as a person as I can be in whatever field I go to. Amid the wins and losses of competing, I hope I have inspired my fellow peers to push themselves to the best version of themselves. The future is growing bright!”

Abhinav shared his own reflections, noting, “Having all of the best debaters competing under one roof provided us with the unique opportunity to learn from the very peers we watched and admired throughout the season. Although we were not able to qualify for elimination rounds, all of our rounds were intense nail-biters and great lessons for the future.”

SVUDL’s 2022 Moot Court Competition continued the tradition of SVUDL students arguing in front of honorable court judges from the community virtually, but with the final round in-person.  Teams argued the case of Hecox v. Little, an actual lawsuit that was pending in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Three judges formed the panel drilling students with questions: the Honorable John B. Owens, Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; the Honorable Julia L. Alloggiamento, Judge for the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County; the Honorable Helen E. Williams, Judge for the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County.

SVUDL students argued the case as if it were pending in front of the 9th Circuit. Two prominent questions were raised to establish both sides’ arguments: Does the Idaho Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (H.B. 500) violate Title IX’s Equal Protection clause; and conversely, does allowing transgender female students to compete on women’s teams violate Title IX? Did the trial court misapply the intermediate scrutiny standard of review when evaluating the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act?

The final round of competition was full of energy and pressure as students from Silver Creek High School and Summit Everest High School engaged in spirited discussion with three federal and state-court judges. Summit Everest’s Cristel De La Cruz Bonilla and Silver Creek’s Adrian Ly and Zakaria Kortam argued on behalf of Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. 

Silver Creek’s Neha Parthasathi, Avishi Trivedi and Ajooni Kaur defended appellees Lindsey Hecox and Jane Doe. The case centers on whether the Act violates equal protection under the law or, alternatively, ensures a state interest in competitive equity.

Judge Helen E. Williams was impressed by the competitors’ intellect and ability to think on their feet. “It was unfathomable to me that high school students can grasp the difficulty and complexity of these concepts,” she said.

NAUDL’s I RESOLVE debate featured SVUDL high school students, Erick Zaragoza and Fabiola Diaz, in an engaging debate on social media disinformation and the upcoming elections. They were joined by a stellar panel of experts with particular experience in this area of study: Shannon Bond, NPR Correspondent; Nathaniel Gleicher, Head of Security Policy at Meta; and Nathaniel Persily, the James B. McClatchy Professor of Law at Stanford Law School and a leading voice in fighting election disinformation.

The event took place in October 2022 at Stanford Law School and was also live streamed. The exciting evening began with an introduction by Rhonda Haynes about the role of NAUDL, SVUDL and the great tradition of public debate, which can restore and sustain our faith in a healthy democracy. The debate focused on two competing solutions to address the way misinformation undermines democracy: the regulation of social media and media literacy.

The proposals students presented were ways to address both – either via a national media literacy program, proposed by Fabiola, or through government regulation of social media platforms as a utility, proposed by Erick.

The panelists emphasized the tough nature of this topic to grapple with when the internet can strip away context, exacerbated by the challenge of determining the truth. They also noted the existence of a strong marketplace for misinformation and that supply and demand are at work with individuals, in addition to companies, making money from this structure.

In closing, the evening ended on a note about how important an organization like SVUDL is in terms of contending with the forces working against democracy. As Erick and Fabiola demonstrated, developing a nuanced understanding to a complex issue is necessary in devising viable solutions - whether those solutions are enacted via policy change, or via changes in business operations. As one of the panelists summarized, this event was indicative of why SVUDL is so important in the community – to forge those skills that are essential to a productive and thriving society.

Professional Access & Mentoring Program

Exposure to different career paths and opportunities is not something often offered to students in Title 1 schools. While students in better resourced schools often have plenty of opportunities modeled for them in their day-to-day lives, Title 1 students benefit immensely from deliberate exposure to future possibilities.

SVUDL’s Professional Access & Mentoring program engages high school students and SVUDL alumni in activities aimed to broaden their horizons, opportunities, and networks. From learning interview skills at Orrick to presenting arguments to Berkeley Law alumni, from Q&A with a key program developer at OpenAI to a career exploration with a former lead journalist on the elections beat for Pro Publica, students enjoyed experiences that exposed them to diverse professions and work settings that built their social, cultural, and professional capital and showed them how the skills they learn through Speech and Debate can propel them in the professional world.

# of Professional Access visits in 2022-2023: 13

The program also provides professional mentoring and internship opportunities that provide work experience, build social capital, and expand the perspectives of students on potential career choices.      

This form of SVUDL programming provides a collegial, collaborative environment where students learn academic skills as well as social-emotional skills that will stay with them through higher education and into the workforce.

Professional Access and Mentoring Highlight: Color of Justice 

The Santa Clara County Superior Court Community Outreach Committee hosted the Superior Court’s third Color of Justice program. This event is designed to promote diversity in both the legal profession and the justice system as a whole, and to provide students a greater understanding of the many pathways available to them within the legal field. 

“Making sure the justice system mirrors the makeup of our society is one way we can build confidence in the idea that the system is not for or against any one group of people, but instead pursues justice for all,” said Hon. Julia Alloggiamento, Chair of the Court Community Outreach Committee and SVUDL Board member.  

The event is designed to broaden the perspective of youth by exposing them to various professions such as judges, attorneys, social workers, probation officers, law enforcement, youth justice advocates and more.  By hearing the heartfelt and real stories of panelists who worked their way into a position in the legal system despite significant life challenges, we hope that students would be able to envision themselves in these roles that have the potential to improve outcomes for individuals, as well as increase trust and confidence in the administration of justice.

Chloe Truong, SVUDL co-captain and student at Independence High School in San Jose, reflected on the experience, sharing, “This event really opened my eyes. I am so grateful to be introduced to different perspectives, especially because a career in law is always portrayed as this far-reaching dream. Listening to all the panelists made me realize how important representation is and how if I really want to pursue this career - I can.”

THANKS AND APPRECIATION

SVUDL is grateful to the following individuals, foundations, and corporations for their generous cumulative support in 2022. Special thanks to the Sobrato Family Foundation for providing in-kind office space for SVUDL at the Sobrato Center for Nonprofits in Milpitas, CA.

$25,000+
James F. Basile
John Dawson
The Franklin & Catherine Johnson Foundation
Bernice and Willie Hernandez
Intermedia Communications
Kirkland & Ellis 
LaureL Foundation
Leo M. Shortino Family Foundation
Meta Platforms, Inc. 
PwC Foundation
John M. Sobrato
The William and Charlene Glikbarg Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999
Allen & Overy
Atkinson Foundation
John Castelly
The Coca-Cola Company
Diversity Lab
Andrew Gold and Jocelyn Johnson
KLA Foundation
Mark Lemley and Rose Hagan
Meta Local Community Fund
Meta Platforms, Inc.
Palo Alto Community Fund
Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center 
Robins Kaplan LLP Charitable Foundation
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose Sharks Foundation
Jennie Savage
John Sheputis and Susan Campbell
Leslie M. Spencer

$5,000 - $9,999
Matt Abrahams and Think Fast Talk Smart LLC
Amazon
Anonymous
Gene Assaf and Liz McHenry
Sahil Bhardwaj
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
City of Milpitas
Covington & Burling LLP
Elizabeth L. Deeley
Desmarais LLP
Devcon Construction
DLA Piper LLP
Ellen and Ira Ehrenpreis
GI Partners
Google Inc.
Bernice and Willie Hernandez
Christopher Hersey
Marian Hoffman
HP Inc. 
Chris and Ali Keegan
David Kung
Kelly and Mark McKane
Joanne Mills
Mortenson Family Foundation
National Association for Urban Debate Leagues
Palo Alto Weekly
Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation
Bahram Seyedin-Noor
Shineon.org Foundation
Sidley Austin LLP

THE SVUDL TEAM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Served during the 2022-2023 program year

Andrew Gold, Chair
Attorney, Private Practice

James Basile, Vice Chair
Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP

John Castelly, Treasurer
VP of Legal and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, ServiceNow

Nadia Arid, Secretary
Associate Product Counsel, Google

Matt Abrahams
Lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Business

Sahil Bhardwaj
Partner, Strategy& (a PwC company)

The Honorable Julia Alloggiamento
Judge of the Superior Court, Santa Clara County

Willie Hernandez
General Counsel, International, The Coca-Cola Company

Christopher Hersey
Partner, Ventura, Hersey & Muller

Mark Lemley
William H. Neukom Professor of Law at Stanford Law School

Bryson Santaguida
Senior Counsel, Google

John Sheputis
Managing Director, GI Partners

Leslie M. Spencer
Partner, Desmarais LLP

Rick Tinsley
Tech Entrepreneur and Investor

LEGAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Legal Advisory Committee brings together leaders from the Silicon Valley legal community to help students realize their dreams of becoming successful lawyers. Thank you to these members who mentor, host firm visits, and provide internships. 

Brandon Brown
Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Graham “Gray” Buccigross
Partner, Mayer Brown LLP

Andrew Cain
Directing Attorney, The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley

Marc Fernandez
Assistant General Counsel, Intuit

Willie Hernandez
General Counsel, International, The Coca-Cola Company

Christopher Hersey
Partner, Ventura, Hersey & Muller LLP

Matthew Irwin
Associate General Counsel, Gap, Inc.

Denny Kwon
Partner, Covington & Burling LLP

Eric Lancaster
Partner, Allen & Overy LLP

Christophe Mosby
Associate General Counsel, HP Inc.

Ballari Mukherjee
Senior Corporate Counsel at Recharge

Ash Nagdev
Counsel, Sidley Austin LLP

Shayne O’Reilly
Associate General Counsel, Intellectual Property, Facebook, Inc.

Carlos Orellana
District Counsel, Valley Water

Ajwang Rading
Corporate Associate, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Bryson Santaguida
Senior Counsel, Google

Leslie M. Spencer
Partner, Desmarais LLP

Caren Ulrich Stacy
CEO, Diversity Lab
Vice President of Policy & Partnerships, US National Committee for UN Women, SF

DeMarcus Williams
Associate, White & Case

Carrie Williamson
Deputy Managing Partner, East Palo Alto, DLA Piper

Andrew Yaphe
Counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

PROGRAM ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Program Advisory Council convenes leaders in the field of education, Speech and Debate champions, community stakeholders, students and alumni who can share their varying perspectives and expertise to inform the programmatic direction of the organization.

Jennie Savage
Emeritus Director of Speech and Debate, Palo Alto High School

Matt Abrahams
Lecturer Stanford University Graduate School of Business

Rachel Stattion
SVUDL alum and Santa Clara University student

John Castelly
Vice President of Legal and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at ServiceNow

Danielle Mitalipov
MBA student, Harvard Business School

Diego Certa
Coordinator of Goodwill ASSETS Youth Programs

Elizabeth Wells
Executive Director for the Foundation for a College Education

Zaragoza, Erick 
SVUDL alum and Princeton University student

STAFF

Rolland Janairo
Executive Director

Najma Ali
Program Specialist

Dr. Robert Burns
Director of Programming

Teague Clark
Summer Intern

Sofia Fund
Summer Fellow

Santalucia Hernandez
Program Specialist

Jenet Manuel
Administrative & Operations Manager

Kwodwo Moore
Senior Program Specialist

Rachel Zubrin
Program Specialist