Debaters Brave the Cold to Shine at 2025 Citywide Arctic Debates
Not even the frigid temperatures could cool the fire our students brought to the Citywide Championship this weekend! Schools from across the league came together to crown our champions in every division, and the talent on display was inspiring.
A Timely Keynote
A huge thank you to Aaron Klemz from the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy for braving the weather to deliver an inspiring keynote address about the importance of this year’s Arctic topic—how fitting! Your words reminded us all why this work matters.
National Qualifications
Special congratulations to our teams heading to the Urban Debate National Championship at Harvard University: Bozic & Sherrell from Washburn High School and Baxter-Kauf & Berger from Central High School. Your dedication and skill have earned you a spot on the national stage. We couldn’t be prouder!
Coaching Excellence
We’re also thrilled to announce our coaching award winners, voted on by the community: Wyatt Ehlke was named Teacher Coach of the Year, and Maren Lien was named Community Coach of the Year. These coaches exemplify commitment and passion we can all learn from.
Division Champions and Top Speakers
Novice A Division
- Champion: Nikolai (Central HS)
- Finalist: Alidhuh (Como Park HS)
- Semifinalists: Bergling (Roosevelt HS) and Juvland & Ahmed (Humboldt HS)
- Top Speaker: Dealy (Southwest HS)
- Runner-Up Speaker: Nur (Washington Technology Magnet School)
Novice B Division
- Champions: Fisher & Vue (North St. Paul)
- Finalists: Sexton & Bakken-Ziring (Southwest HS)
- Semifinalists: Carlson & Jones (Central HS) and Pelatt (Highland Park HS)
- Top Speaker: Pelatt (Highland Park HS)
JV Division
- Co-Champions: Benlhabib & Wang and Nagel & Carter (Central HS)
- Semifinalists: Searls (South HS) and Tran & Mai (Prior Lake HS)
- Top Speaker: Wang (Central HS)
- Runner-Up Speaker: Nagel (Central HS)
Varsity / NSDA Qualification
These students earned their way to NSDA’s national tournament in Richmond, Virginia in June 2026:
- Baxter-Kauf & Berger (Central HS)
- Miller & Clark (Central HS)
- Mulrooney & Washington (Central HS)
- 2nd Alternates: Bozic & Sherrell (Washburn HS)
A Season to Remember
But really, we want to congratulate all the students who showed up to join us, and all the coaches and volunteers who made it possible. Thank you for your hard work, curiosity, and insight. You made our championship special, and you make our league what it is.
Congratulations and thanks for a wonderful season!
