Northeast high school debaters head straight to varsity

Thanks to the commitment of ASAP club leaders and coaches, students in Philadelphia aren’t letting the pandemic get in the way of pursuing their passions and bonding with their peers.

For Northeast High School freshmen Isaac and Reina, when it came to finding their place at their new school, they leaned on ASAP Debate—a program they’ve been a part of since the 6th grade.

“I am really grateful for ASAP for allowing me to experience the joy of Debate. I have loved it more and more each year. Even when Covid struck, ASAP went virtual and did not slow down at all.”
-Isaac

ASAP Debate virtual zoom session with Isaac and Reina
Pictured: Northeast debate coach Theresa Bramwell (bottom right), 9th grader Reina (top right), and 9th grader Isaac (top left)

And thanks to the recommendation of teacher and veteran coach Theresa Bramwell, Isaac and Reina are not only participating as freshmen — they are excelling. This young duo went straight to the Varsity division of ASAP’s Scholastic Debate League, competing against the city’s most seasoned competitive debaters on complex topics like whether or not the federal government should regulate the cryptocurrency industry.

But fear was no factor here.

“I was really grateful that she saw big potential in us and gave us the opportunity to thrive in Debate.”
-Isaac

“Winning debate matches as 9th graders in the varsity league is really uplifting. We were able to compete with other students who for all we knew could be seniors and still win nevertheless!”
-Reina

Coach Bramwell didn’t make the decision to promote lightly. With more than 10 years of coaching experience, she’s learned to recognize the potential of dedicated students like Isaac and Reina. So far, she’s impressed:

“Reina and Isaac write very sophisticated arguments. They’re having fun and doing great. They can hang with varsity!”
-Coach Bramwell

Combining their talents with guidance from their coach, Reina and Isaac have flourished:

“[Ms. Bramwell] is very gifted at making complicated topics understandable. With her help, I have learned to stop stuttering, argue both sides of an argument, and talk more fluidly.”
-Reina

So this giving season, we ask that you help ASAP give students like Reina and Isaac and coaches like Ms. Bramwell throughout Philadelphia the after school opportunities and experiences they deserve. Your generosity and partnership does not go unnoticed, by both ASAP, and the students we serve.

“I am so happy to be a part of a program that is so determined to provide youth with so many skills and opportunities.”
-Isaac

“I am grateful for my coaches, my current debate partner, Isaac, and to ASAP debate who made this all possible!”
-Reina

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