Martha Brackmann took a nontraditional path in becoming a great debate coach. She entered the profession of teaching later in life and then became Lincoln Prep’s debate coach without an extensive debate background. She had to learn on the fly but quickly grew to love coaching the debate team. Her students took home countless trophies and Lincoln was a powerhouse in DKC’s league. Many of Ms. Brackmann’s students went on to debate in college, including LaToya Williams-Green who was named the Cross Examination Debate Association debater of the year just two months ago.

One of her former students, Darrell Hyche who debated at Missouri State, had this to say about Ms. Brackmann, “Mrs. Brackmann has been a continual source of inspiration for me. So many of my experiences, contacts and successes can be traced back to her. Even my career as a college debater, at her alma mater no less, came from her contributions. She is selfless, truly cares about the future of her students and is more than deserving of being inducted into the DKC Coaching Hall of Fame.”

After more than a decade of teaching and coaching Martha decided it was time retire in 2009, or so she thought. At the beginning of the 2011-12 school year Lincoln lost their projected debate coach due to illness. With no other obvious candidates stepping forward, Martha Brackmann decided to come out of retirement.

However, coaching this time around was different. No longer did the school have an ample debate budget and her stipend was stuck in paperwork for months. In addition to coaching without pay, she found herself digging in to her own pocket to get students to tournaments. She spent the last year doing everything in her power to provide amazing opportunities for the Lincoln Prep debaters. From long practices and even longer bus rides to tournaments to making sure that every kid at practices gets some of her special snack mix, Martha was a dedicated coach.

When asked about this special season Martha said, “It was a thrilling year, and despite zero budget at the year’s start, we found a way to compete at DKC, suburban and national tournaments. We even did something I’ve always wanted; we competed in five different kinds of debate.”

Martha’s selfless dedication to debate has placed her as second coach to join DKC’s Coaches’ Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame began in 2009 with the induction of Jane Rinehart; a legendary debate coach at Kansas City Central whose team was the story line of the award winning 2006 book entitled Cross X. When asked about the Hall of Fame induction Martha’s first thoughts went to Jane Rinehart (Martha and Jane pictured).

“I am honored to join Jane Rinehart, someone I admire, in the Hall of Fame. To be in the company of a debate icon is humbling. She was not only a great coach, but she created amazing opportunities. I mean she traveled her team to China and Azerbaijan, so I wanted to her follow lead in creating unique opportunities for deserving kids,” said Martha Brackmann.

Martha Brackmann is now herself a debate icon for others to admire and follow. No DKC coach has ever sacrificed so much in a season to make certain that kids have the opportunity to debate. When other coaches feel overburdened and underpaid they can use Martha Brackmann as a source of inspiration.

The Wyandotte County Youth Policy Debates were developed by state Senator David Hayley, D-4th Dist and they will take place May 12th at the Performing Arts Center on the Kansas City Kansas Community College campus. You can read more about the event from the Wyandotte Daily News below:

Students from the Kansas City, Kan., Public high schools will debate current social, political and economic issues in a forum developed by state Sen. David  Haley, D-4th Dist.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Performing Arts Center on the Kansas City Kansas Community College campus.

Each participating student will receive a certificate and the winning students will receive cash prizes and scholarships. Sen. Haley will also discuss with the students recent issues in the 2012 Kansas Legislature.

The event will be moderated by Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools Teacher of the Year Rashanda Rhodes. Judges for the event are area representatives from  various professional backgrounds. The event is free. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Students from the five Kansas City, Kan., Public School high schools are invited to take part in the competition: Harmon High School; Schlagle High School; Sumner Academy of Arts and Science; Washington High School and Wyandotte High School.

Keep reading.

Ryan and LaToya finished a strong season with incredible showings at recent national tournaments. In collegiate debate the season is capped with two national tournaments: the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) national tournament and National Debate Tournament (NDT). The Emporia State duo advanced to the semi-finals at CEDA where Ryan was named the 4^th best speaker and LaToya 6^th best. At the NDT Ryan won the 12^th place speaker award and LaToya placed 13^th while they advanced to the octo-final elimination debates. Put it all together and they finished the season as one of the ten best policy debate teams in the country and two of the 15 best individual speakers in the country.

“If you don’t know much about debate it might be hard to understand the magnitude of what they accomplished. They were the elite of the elite in a competitive field that includes Ivy League schools and hundreds of competitors,” said Gabe Cook, DKC’s Director.

Awards Night is an opportunity for Ryan and LaToya to have their success recognized and to be inspiring examples of debate success for the night’s attendees. The annual celebration honors DKC students, coaches and volunteers for their accomplishments. As the keynote speakers Ryan and LaToya can let everyone in the room know just how far debate can take you if you work at it.

“I am really honored to be speaking with young debaters. DKC has done so much for me, so coming to speak would be a small way for me to show my appreciation to the league. I hope that I am able to inspire the current debaters the way awards night used to inspire me,” said Ryan Wash.

Ms. Williams-Green expressed similar feelings, saying that, “It is a huge honor to speak to the debaters, at Awards Night! I’m very excited! We really appreciate all DKC has done for us and hope we can give something back.”

Both Ryan and LaToya are graduates from Kansas City Public Schools, where in recent years debate has faced setbacks due to enormous budget challenges. It is the hope of DKC that their examples of success can help increase support for debate.

“We know that the students of Kansas City can achieve at the highest levels when given the right resources and opportunities. It is our sincere hope that more robust support of debate is coming, because if it does, we know the results will be more success stories like Ryan and LaToya,” said Mr. Cook.

In addition to tournament competition, the students were treated to a banquet dinner that featured Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as the keynote speaker. Secretary Duncan spoke highly of debate (see full transcript here) and explained how the co-curricular activity is essential for 21st century education:

“In a number of respects, competitive urban debate is almost uniquely suited to building what’s been called the “Four C’s” of 21st century skills—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. And to that list I might add a fifth “C”—for civic awareness and engagement.”

This year’s debate topic has been whether the federal government should increase space exploration. The current head of NASA, Charles Bolden, received a special award and also spoke to the students. Mr. Bolden appreciated the opportunity to speak to the students because like so many urban debaters he came from humble beginnings. He stressed the importance of hard work and education as he congratulated the students for dedicating themselves to an activity as rewarding and challenging as debate.

The tournament featured five debate rounds in one day, an incredibly challenging format that tested the mental endurance of each student. However, both teams were up to the challenge and gave it their all each and every round. Facing national competition is always a challenge, but one that made each debater better.

“It was an opportunity to experience new styles of debate from all over the country. I was so excited to be named top speaker in one of my debates because it showed my hard work paid off,” said Jared Freemon. Jared competed at the national tournament last year and narrowly missed advancing to elimination debates, so he was thrilled to progress from one year to another.

DKC Director Gabe Cook accompanied the team and provided coaching advice prior to each round. He was thrilled with their effort and composure during the difficult tournament competition. He was also excited to have these particular students at the national tournament because he has been working with each of them since middle school.

“The success of these debaters is especially rewarding since DKC has been serving them since middle school. It has been a joy to watch each of them evolve and improve as critical thinkers and speakers,” Mr. Cook noted. “I am truly privileged to share in their success and I think fellow Lincoln graduate, Melvin B. Tolson (the ground breaking coach played by Denzel Washington in the file The Great Debaters) would be very proud.”

The national tournament will return to DC next year and since all of these Lincoln students are underclassmen, they could all return.

After a long and spirited conversation with the players, the students and other guests settled in to watch some hard hitting Arena League Football. The box at the Sprint Center was brimming with snacks and soda, which added to the rush of excitement that comes with watching arena football. The kids were given a very special experience to remind how special they are as top performing debaters.

Each student was also allowed to bring a guest, making it a family experience. Parents, brothers and uncles of successful debaters shared in celebrating debate accomplishments in a VIP suite at the Sprint Center.

The event was the idea Rhonda Hogue and she was kind enough to secure the free box seats. She is the mother of Luke Hogue (pictured with Command players) from Arrowhead Middle School who finished second at City Champs. At half-time she cut the celebratory cake and toasted the students for their season of hard work and accomplishment.

“I saw a group of kids that were so extraordinary I just wanted to do a little something extra to recognize their achievements,” Mrs. Hogue said of creating the event.

The five students being honored were Monica Propst (Foreign Language Academy), Luke Hogue (Arrowhead Middle), Suan Sonna (Arrowhead Middle), James Patterson ( Lincoln College Prep) , Caleb Soliday (Center Middle).  These students continued to celebrate despite the unfortunate loss of the KC Command to the Arizona Rattlers. The fun continued well past the game’s end as the students were able to visit the arena floor for more autographs and photos with the KC Command players and cheerleaders.

“I had so much fun! It was an honor to be able to attend,” said James Patterson. All attendees expressed similar gratitude about being honored in such VIP fashion. Mr. Mang Sonna, father of Suan Sonna, thanked Mrs. Hogue for her “encouragement and recognition of the children.”

“This was a fantastic event all of us in attendance had a ton of fun. But more importantly it underscores how warmly the DKC community feels about our young advocate’s success.” said Isaac Allen, DKC’s Program Coordinator.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to Mrs. Hogue, the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association and The KC Command.

Congratulations to all students who made the list!

MS Student Congress

1. Foreign Language Academy, Monica Propst
2. Center Middle, Caleb Soliday
3. Arrowhead Middle, Luke Hogue
4. Arrowhead Middle, Suan Sonna
5. Lee A. Tolbert, Erica Hall
6. Lincoln, James Patterson
7. Foreign Language Academy, Monteen Simmons
8. Lee A. Tolbert, Josiah Hoskins
9. Center Middle, John Lobo
10. Lee A. Tolbert, Tyra Drone
11. Eisenhower Middle, Celina Williams
12. Foreign Language Academy, Joseph Hernandez
13. Arrowhead Middle, Akia White
14. Central KCK, Gary Bradley-Lopez
15. Lee A. Tolbert, Aereana Boyd
16. Lee A. Tolbert, Jared Hoskins
17. Lee A. Tolbert, Kirsten Jackson
18. Foreign Language Academy, Hassan Nureini
19. Foreign Language Academy, Xavier Freeman-Edwards
20. Foreign Language, Bianca Harvey

High School Congress 

1. Lincoln Prep, Brionna Garlington
2. Lincoln Prep, Riley Kelly
3. Lincoln Prep, Derrick Parker
4. Sumner, Fernando Cardenas
5. Patton, Taylor Brunson

MS Policy Teams

1. Barstow Eli Pearce & Spencer Walz
2. Foreign Language Academy, Jack Eddy & Adam Maiale
3. Barstow Olivia Dugan & Chloe Ketchmark
4. Arrowhead Michael Franklin & Ted Bynum
5. Foreign Language Academy, Nicholas Hickam & Ellen Baker

MS Policy Speakers

1. Barstow, Spencer Walz
2. Foreign Language Academy, Adam Maiale
3. Barstow, Eli Pearce
4. Foreign Language Academy, Jack Eddy
5. Lee A. Tolbert, Carly Shockey

HS Policy Teams

1. Lincoln Prep, Frankie George & Hanna Rose Keneally
2. Patton, Emily Anderson & Taylor Brunson
3. Lincoln Prep, Corey Fisher & Jared Freemon
4. Patton, Nicole Tennant & Ethan Richardson
5. Lincoln Prep, Jared Freemon & Riley Kelly

HS Policy Speakers

1. Hickman, Sahreen Khan
2. Lincoln Prep, Frankie George
3. Lincoln Prep, Corey Fisher
4. Lincoln Prep, Jared Freemon
5. Patton, Emily Anderson

This award, named after former UMKC Debate National Champion Brian Johnston, honors competitive success and a commitment to represent the highest values of the debate community. LaToya has been both extremely successful and highly committed to the values of academic debate.

Ms. Green-Williams is currently competing at Emporia State University, where she debates with KC Central High School alum, Ryan Wash. Latoya and Ryan rank as one of the top 15 teams across the country. This past weekend, at the CEDA National Tournament, Ryan and LaToya advanced to the semi-finals before bowing out on a 2-1 decision to Whitman College. LaToya was named the sixth best overall speaker tournament and Ryan placed fourth at tournament that featured 320 debaters from 50 different colleges.

While in high school, Latoya and Ryan participated in DEBATE-Kansas City and both Ryan and LaToya attribute much of their success to the inspiration, skills, and friendships they developed while in DEBATE-Kansas City.

Latoya continues to advocate for students of the Kansas City, Missouri and DEBATE-Kansas City. In January she, Ryan, and Marcus Leach (KC Central graduate) participated in a public debate about the future of Kansas City Public Schools. You can read about this event here.

Congratulations to Latoya on this impressive national award!

Read more at the UMKC Debate website.

“This is what our kids have been working for all year,” said Bill Lindsey head coach of Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy as he arrived on campus with his team in tow. His squad, like all the other member squads was prepared for a long weekend of competition that would eventually lead to the coronation of Kansas City’s top policy and congress debaters.

The competition at this year’s City Champs was very intense. “Some of these middle school kids have been doing debate for three years now,” said Gabe Cook, Director of DKC. “I can tell you from what I have seen and what judges tell me that all our students are debating at a very high level,” Mr. Cook continued.

In middle school congress Monica Probst of the Foreign Language Academy made history by taking first place and completing her sweep of winning first place in every congress DKC held this season.  “We have had students who had great seasons before but never have we had a student who won 1^st at every tournament. The feat is simply amazing and a testament to the elegance and poise Ms. Probst possesses,” said Isaac Allen, Program Coordinator of DKC. In high school congress Lincoln Prep continued their winning streak taking 4 of the top 5 awards with long time DKC debater Riley Kelly walking away with the 1^st place trophy.

In middle policy debate the Barstow school team of Spencer Walz & Eli Pearce walked away with top honors, but not before having to debate a very tough Foreign Language Academy team of Adam Maiale & Max Keeney in a very close final round on Sunday. “The entire pool of middle school policy debaters is extremely talented,” said DKC alumni and one of the final round judges Desmond Mason. “With the skills these kids have they are bound to be successful in high school and beyond,” Mr. Mason continued.

On a day with many highlights one of the most memorable came before winners were announced; special guest speaker DKC Board President & Associate Dean of UMKC Law School Jeffry Thomas. As a former debater Dean Thomas knows first-hand the value of debate on both a professional and personal level. He encouraged every student in attendance to stick with debate. “Even those of you who might have had a bad tournament the educational gains from losing debates are sometimes even greater then when you than win. There really is no other activity that can give you as much as debate,” Dean Thomas concluded.

A full list of results is below

Sweepstakes Middle School

1. Forign Language Academy
2. Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy
3. Arrowhead Middle School

Sweepstakes High School

1. Lincoln College Prep
2. Patton Junior High
3. Wyandotte High School

Middle School Student Congress Top 20

1. Foreign Language, Academy Monica Propst
2. Arrowhead, Luke Hogue
3. Arrowhead, Suan Sonna
4. Lincoln, James Paatterson
5. Center, Caleb Soliday
6. Foreign Language, Monteen Simmons
7. Lee A. Tolbert, Erika Hall
8. Center, Riley Gumminger
9. Lee A. Tolbert, Josiah Hoskins
10. Lee A. Tolbert, Kirsten Jackson
11. Lee A. Tolbert, Tyra Drone
12. Foreign Language, Joseph Hernandez
13. Eisenhower, Jasmine McGhee
14. Eisenhower, Celina Williams
15. Center, Jaun Lobo
16. Sumner, Beighly Weiss
17. Center, Cydney Payne
18. Foreign Language, Bianca Harvey
19. Turner, Connor Hill
20. Arrowhead, Akia White

High School Student Congress Top 5

1. Lincoln Prep, Riley Kelly
2. Lincoln Prep, Derrick Parker
3. Lincoln Prep, Jasmine Clark
4. Patton, Taylor Brunson
5. Lincoln Prep, Brionna Garlington

Middle School Policy Teams

1. Barstow, Spencer Walz & Eli Pearce
2. Foreign Language Academy, Adam Maiale & Max Keeney
3. Barstow- Alex Wang & Jaelan Trapp
4. Arrowhead Michael Franklin & Ted Bynum
5. Barstow, Olivia Dugan & Chloe Ketchmark
6. Eisenhower, Mia Plant & Michaela Davis
7. Lee A. Tolbert Myesha Gray & Carly Shockey
8. Barstow, Mitchell Pickard

Middle School Policy Speakers

1. Barstow, Eli Pearce
2. Foreign Language Academy, Adam Maiale
3. Barstow, Spencer Walz
4. Lee A. Tolbert, Carly Shockey
5. Barstow- Alex Wang
6. Barstow, Michael Pickard
7. Barstow- Olivia Dugan
8. Arrowhead, Ted Bynum
9. Foreign Language Academy, Nicholas Hickam
10. Barstow, Ellie Schneider

The Summer tournament was punctuated by the return of Sumner high school debater Fernando Cardenas to the ranks of DKC congress competition. After taking a three year break to focus on policy debate at Sumner, Mr. Cardenas chose to compete in congress once again. This one-time DKC middle school congress phenom proved he still had congress chops by taking home first place in the high school congress competition.

The Lincoln tournament featured nearly 200 middle and high schools competing in both student congress and policy debate. At the end of the day the big victor was Lee A. Tolbert, who came away from the event first in the sweepstake category. Lee A. Tolbert coach Bill Lindsey said “We have been neck and neck with FLA all year it feels really good to get this win under our belt.” In high school Lincoln Prep debaters proved once again they are a force to be reckoned by first in both policy debate and student congress.

A full list of awards from both tournaments is below:

Sumner High School Student Congress

1. Sumner-Fernando Cardenas
2. Sumner- Vincente Perez
3. Lincoln Prep-Derrick Parker
4. Lincoln Prep- Brionna Garlington
5. Lincoln Prep- Jazmine Clark

Sumner Middle School Student Congress

House A

1. Arrowhead- Akia White
2. Lee A. Tolbert- Zion Piper
3. Foreign Language Academy-Xavier Freeman-Edwards
4. Sumner- Bailey Weiss
5. Center- Ella Howells

House  B

1. Center- John Lobo
2. Lee A. Tolbert- Tyra Drone
3. Sumner- Si-Anna Barnett
4. Center- Angel Mauro
5. Foreign Language Academy-Percy Bailey

House C

1. Foreign Language Academy- Monteen Simmons
2. Center- Caleb Soliday
3. Lee A. Tolbert- Jared Hoskins
4. Arrowhead- De’Auan McClaine
5. Arrowhead- Suan Sonna

House D

1. Foreign Language Academy- Monica Propst*
2. Arrowhead- Luke Hogue
3. Lee A. Tolbert- Josiah Hoskins
4. Foreign Language Academy- Adrian Ruiz Gonzalez
5. Foreign Language Academy- Hassan Nureini

House E

1. Central KCK- Gary Bradley-Lopez
2. Foreign Language Academy- Irving Meza-Aguirre
3. Sumner- Alexis Myers
4. Arrowhead- Zara Williams
5. Foreign Language Academy- Joseph Hernandez

Novice House 1

1. Foreign Language Academy- Lucy Mulholland
2. Foreign Language Academy- Bianca Harvey
3. Coronado- Datasha Carlock
4. Center- Zac Searcy
5. Central KCK- Nestor Hernandez

Novice House 2

1. Central KCK- Isaa Herr
2. Central KCK- Amy Arambula,
3. Coronado- Ellis McCoy
4. Central KCK- Stephanie Romero
5. Center- Denaya Thompson

Sumner High School Policy Teams

1. Lincoln Prep- Frankie George & Rose Kennelly
2. Lincoln Prep- Corey Fisher & Jared Feemon
3. Derrick Thomas-Arik Adams & Markelle Ford

Sumner High School Policy Debate Speakers

1. Lincoln Prep- Frankie George
2. Lincoln Prep- Rose Kenneally
3. Lincoln Prep- Jared Freemon
4. Derrick Thomas- Corey Fisher
5. Derrick Thomas- Arik Adams

Sumner Middle School Policy Teams

1. Barstow- Olivia Dugan & Chloe Ketchmark
2. Barstow- Spencer Walz & Eli Pearce
3. Foreign Language Academy- Adam Maiale & Jack Eddy
4. Arrowhead- Louie Andrews & Trevian Steward
5. Arrowhead- Micheal Franklin & Ted Bynum

 Sumner Middle School Policy Speakers

1. Barstow- Olivia Dugan
2. Barstow- Eli Pearce
3. Barstow- Libby Rohr
4. Forign Language Academy- Adam Maiale
5. Lee A. Tolbert- Myesha Gray

Lincoln Prep High School Policy Speakers

1. Lincoln- Jared Freemon
2. Hickman- Shareen Khan
3. Lincoln Prep- Frankie George
4. Central- Laquenton Long

Lincoln Prep High School Policy Teams

1. Lincoln Prep- Jared Freemon & Frankie George
2. Hickman Mills- Shareen Khan
3. Derrick Thomas- Arik Adams & Kieth Porter
4. Central- Laquenton Long

Lincoln Prep Middle School Policy Speakers

1. Foreign Language Academy- Jack Eddy
2. Barstow- Mitchell Pickard
3. Lee A. Tolbert- Carly Shockey
4. Foreign Language Academy- Ellen Baker
5. Foreign Language Academy- Nicholas Hickam

Lincoln Prep Middle School Policy Teams

1. Foreign Language Academy- Nicholas Hickam & Natalie Iribe – Cabrera
2. Barstow- Olivia Dugan & Chloe Ketchmark
3. Barstow- Emily Gustafson & Rachel Matthews
4. Barstow- Libby Rohr
5. Arrowhead- Areonans Nelson & Veronica Nicholas

Lincoln High School Student Congress

1. Lincoln Prep- Brionna Garlington
2. Sumner- Fernando Cardenas
3. Patton- Taylor Brunson
4. Lincoln Prep- Derrick Parker
5. Lincoln Prep- Jazmine Clarke

Lincoln Middle School Student Congress

House B

1. Lee A. Tolbert- Aerana Boyd
2. Foreign Language Academy- Xavier Freeman-Edwards
3. Argentine- Sandra Flores
4. Center- Eriona Tate
5. Lee A. Tolbert- Erika Hall

House C

1. Lee A. Tolbert- Jared Hoskins
2. Foreign Language Academy- Monteen Simmons
3. Arrowhead- Rhoderic Montgomery
4. Lee A. Tolbert- TaRod Perkins
5. Center- Riley Gumminger

House D

1. Lee A. Tolbert- Josiah Hoskins
2. Center- John Lobo
3. Lincoln Prep- James Patterson
4. Center- Cydney Payne
5. Sumner- Sabree White

House E

1. Foreign Language Academy- Monica Propst
2. Lee A. Tolbert- Tyra Drone
3. Center- Caleb Soliday
4. Arrowhead- Luke Hogue
5. Foreign Language Academy- Percy Bailey

House F

1. Foreign Language Academy- Irving Meza-Aguirre
2. Eisenhower- Celina Williams
3. Lee A. Tolbert- Zion Piper
4. Lee A. Tolbert- Shayana Davis
5. Foreign Language Academy- Joseph Hernandez

Novice 2

1. Foreign Language Academy- Terriana Martin
2. Central KCK- Valeria Munoz
3. Central KCK- Miriam Villegas.
4. Frontier School of Innovation- Cesar Jaime (Novice)
5. Foreign Language Academy- Tymara Price

Novice 2

1. Foreign Language Academy- Lucy Mulholland
2. Coronado- Datasha Carlock
3. Foreign Language Academy- Marybeth Eddy
4. Foreign Language Academy- Anna Crawford
5. Central KCK- Meghan McLaughlin