MERHS Debate Team Wraps Up Regular Season and Prepares for States

Second‑generation debaters Lily Berkowitz (left) and Grace Burgess (right) formed a strong partnership for the March Public Forum topic. As daughters of former debaters Sally (Baer) Berkowitz and Alex Burgess, class of 1999, they bring both energy and enthusiasm to the team, carrying on a family tradition of competitive debate.

Courtesy Photo

Posted Thursday, March 26, 2026 3:35 pm

Editorial Staff

The Manchester Essex Regional High School Debate Team closed out its regular season in March with two highly regarded Massachusetts debate tournaments, each known for spirited competition and valuable learning opportunities.

On Saturday, March 7, MERHS competed at the Brookline Ball hosted at Brookline High School. Widely considered a favorite on the local circuit, the Brookline Ball brought together seasoned teams from across the state for a full day of Public Forum debate and speech events. This month’s debate rounds centered on the March Public Forum topic: “Resolved: The United States federal government should ban corporate acquisition of single-family residences.”

MERHS debaters worked to deliver persuasive arguments on both sides of this complex housing policy issue. Annabelle Kerivan and Rosie Renehan, and Freddy Jakes and Stella Langille each finished with impressive 4–1 records, signaling their readiness for postseason challenges. Abby Borgerson and Avery Lynch went 2–3, Asa Bardsley and Youseff Ghatas finished 1–4, and Grace Burgess and Lily Berkowitz posted a 2–3 record.

On Saturday, March 21, MERHS took part in March Merryness at Needham High School. Known for its upbeat atmosphere and tough match‑ups, the tournament again featured debates on the same March topic, asking debaters to examine the impacts of corporate investment in housing and whether such acquisitions should be banned. Asa Bardsley and Youseff Ghatas earned a 2–2 record, as did Grace Burgess and Lily Berkowitz. Annabelle Kerivan and Rosie Renehan, Abby Borgerson and Avery Lynch, and Freddy Jakes and Claire Yukins each posted 1–3 records, gaining more experience against strong opponents.

“This young team has put in a huge effort to establish themselves as solid competitors on the local circuit,” said Debate Director Sally Berkowitz. “Success this year is a great sign for the future strength of the program.”

With the regular season now complete, MERHS will send eight students to the Massachusetts State Debate Tournament this weekend, March 27–29, where they will compete against the best teams in the state. The excitement and momentum built from Brookline and March Merryness will carry them into the biggest stage of the season.