MDUDL January Tournament Highlights Competitive Excellence and College Access with Debate Fair and $10,000 Sponsorship from Stearns Weaver Miller
- Kalyn Lee
- Feb 10
- 2 min read
Miami, FL — January 10, 2026 — The Miami-Dade Urban Debate League (MDUDL) successfully hosted its January policy debate tournament on January 10, 2026, at Miami Dade College North Campus, bringing together middle and high school students from across Miami-Dade County for a day of high-level competition, mentorship, and college access opportunities.
Held as part of the league’s 2025–2026 competitive season, the tournament featured multiple rounds of policy debate and showcased the continued academic growth and advocacy skills of MDUDL students. Debaters demonstrated advanced research, critical thinking, and persuasive communication throughout the day.
At the conclusion of the tournament:
Middle School Team Sweepstakes: Ponce de Leon Middle School
High School Team Sweepstakes: Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School
In addition to competition, MDUDL hosted a Debate & College Fair, designed to expose students to postsecondary pathways and academic enrichment opportunities. Participating schools and institutions included Miami Dade College, Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School, Somerset Academy, Miami Senior High School, and American Senior High School. The fair allowed students to engage directly with representatives, ask questions about college readiness, and explore academic and debate-related opportunities beyond the tournament.
The January tournament was proudly sponsored by Stearns Weaver Miller, which contributed $10,000 in support of MDUDL programming. Attorneys and professionals from the firm also volunteered as judges, reinforcing the connection between debate education and real-world civic and professional skills.
“By supporting debate and youth education, we teach young people critical thinking, confidence, and respect for diverse viewpoints,” said Coral del Mar López, MDUDL Board Member and Shareholder at Stearns Weaver Miller. “Investing in these skills early plays a key role in shaping engaged citizens, laying the foundation for resilient communities, and building a healthier democracy.”
“Events like our January tournament show students that debate opens doors,” said Kalyn Lee, Program Director of the Miami-Dade Urban Debate League. “Between the competition, the Debate Fair, and the support from partners like Stearns Weaver Miller, students are able to see how their voices translate into college access, career pathways, and long-term success.”
The January tournament continues MDUDL’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality debate education, professional mentorship, and postsecondary exposure for students across underserved communities.
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 Stearns Weaver Miller: Stearns Weaver Miller is a full-service Florida law firm representing clients in complex legal and business matters. The firm is committed to community engagement and educational initiatives that promote opportunity, leadership, and equity.
Media Contact:
Kalyn Lee, Program Director
Miami-Dade Urban Debate League
Email: klee@urbandebate.org
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