MERHS Debate Team Shines at Harvard, Building Momentum this Season

Energized by a season already filled with learning, camaraderie, and spirited competition, the team is excited to bring its growing skills, teamwork, and determination to these upcoming events, proudly representing Manchester Essex every step. ”

The Manchester Essex Regional High School Debate Team had an exciting weekend at the Harvard National Debate Tournament, one of the largest and most competitive high school events in the country.

Held February 14 and 15 at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and in Harvard University buildings, the tournament featured more than 400 Public Forum teams and over 2,000 students representing over 40 states and several countries.  This fast‑paced, highly competitive atmosphere brought together many of the nation’s top debaters and speakers.

In Public Forum, Abby Borgerson and Avery Lynch posted a strong 3–2 record, Freddy Jakes and Lily Berkowitz went 2–3, and Annabelle Kerivan and Rosie Renehan also went 2–3. Simone Argento competed in Impromptu Speaking, delivering persuasive presentations with only minutes to prepare, and impressed both judges and peers.

Earlier this season, MERHS attended several major tournaments.  The year began on January 10 at the Newton South Winter Festival, where Annabelle Kerivan and Youssef Ghatas, Freddy Jakes and Stella Langille, and Lily Berkowitz and Claire Yukins represented the team in Public Forum debate.  The Winter Festival is known for attracting strong Massachusetts teams, giving MERHS an early test against quality competition.

On January 17, the team participated in the prestigious Big Lex Tournament at Lexington High School.  This event included schools from New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, making it one of the most competitive on the circuit. MERHS was represented by Lily Berkowitz and Claire Yukins, Asa Bardsley and Youssef Ghatas, and Abby Borgerson and Rosie Renehan, who tackled demanding rounds with determination.

On January 30 and 31, MERHS competed at the NSDA National Qualifiers at Concord-Carlisle High School in a hybrid format, with online rounds Friday evening and in‑person rounds Saturday. Freddy Jakes and Stella Langille, Lily Berkowitz and Claire Yukins, and Abby Borgerson and Rosie Renehan took part in Public Forum debate.

February 7 brought the NCFL National Qualifiers at Shrewsbury High School. Freddy Jakes and Lily Berkowitz, and Abby Borgerson and Stella Langille competed in Public Forum, while Simone Argento participated in the speech event Declamation, demonstrating the team’s range of skills.

The team extends heartfelt thanks to volunteer judges Michelle and Ben Langille, Jason Jakes, Adrian Argento, Charlie Kerivan, Scott Borgerson and Richard Renehan whose time and expertise have made this busy schedule possible.

Looking Ahead

Next up is the Mardi Gras Speech Carnivale at Shrewsbury High School on February 28, where MERHS will once again showcase its talents in both debate and speech events. Energized by experiences from local, regional, and national competitions, the team is eager to keep building skills, teamwork, and school spirit.

Sally Berkowitz is the Manchester Essex Regional High School debate program director.  Contact her at berkowitzs@mersd.org.