Back-to-Back Victory for Hialeah-Miami Lakes as Ponce de Leon Middle Triumphs at Bilzin Sumberg Policy Debate Tournament

First Place Winners: Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School

Miami, FL – October 13, 2025 — Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School continued its winning streak this weekend, taking first place for the second consecutive time in the high school division at the Bilzin Sumberg Policy Debate Invitational, held October 11, 2025, at Florida International University. In the middle school division, Ponce de Leon Middle School captured first place, demonstrating exceptional preparation, collaboration, and critical thinking throughout the day.

The tournament—the second of the 2025–2026 Miami-Dade Urban Debate League (MDUDL) season—brought together nearly 150 students, coaches, and community members from across Miami-Dade County. Competitors showcased their research, reasoning, and advocacy skills before a panel of guest judges that included attorneys and civic leaders.

Thanks to Bilzin Sumberg's $10,000 sponsorship and Florida International University’s ongoing collaboration as host venue, the tournament expanded access to high-quality debate education for students from schools across the county.

“Our students continue to impress with their dedication and intellectual courage,” said Kalyn Lee, Program Director of MDUDL. “Thanks to Bilzin Sumberg’s incredible partnership, we’re able to give more young people the chance to use their voices for change and strengthen the next generation of community leaders.”

First Place Winners, Middle School Division: Ponce de Leon Middle School

About Miami-Dade Urban Debate League: The Miami-Dade Urban Debate League (MDUDL) provides debate opportunities to middle and high school students across the county, with a focus on underserved schools. Through debate, students gain critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that prepare them for lifelong success.

About Bilzin Sumberg: Bilzin Sumberg is a Miami-based law firm that delivers practical, personalized solutions across a wide range of complex legal matters. Guided by integrity, trust, and empathy, the firm builds lasting relationships with clients and partners while achieving extraordinary results. Its practices span antitrust, litigation, construction, corporate, environmental, finance, government relations, private wealth planning, public-private partnerships, and real estate.

Media Contact:

Kalyn Lee, Program Director

Miami-Dade Urban Debate League

Email: klee@urbandebate.org