[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 112 (Thursday, June 29, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E931-E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING NEW YORK CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL DEBATE CHAMPIONS FOR 2016 
                       AND 2017--MIDDLE SCHOOL 50

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2017

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and honor that I 
rise to congratulate the students, and teachers from Middle School 50 
(MS 50)--the John D. Wells School on its successful reign as New York 
City Middle School Debate Champions for 2016 and 2017.
  MS 50 is located in the Southside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn of my 
district. It serves students from 6th thru 8th grade and has an 
enrollment that is 82 percent Latino with 21 percent of the students 
being English Language Learners. Despite personal challenges, these 
students have persevered and are competitive debaters. The school's 
debate program has helped students develop lifelong skills like 
critical thinking, verbal and written communication, leadership, 
teamwork, and determination. They understand that debate is an art form 
that requires the tactful ability to argue or refute a policy while 
maintaining proper decorum.
  Today, debate remains the bedrock of our constitution and political 
system. It is uplifting to know that these students recognize the power 
of words and understand the art of debate. I am extremely proud of 
them. I also want to recognize and commend Principal Ben Honoroff, 
Debate Coaches Jason Warren, Matthew Mason, Thuy-An Vo, Andrew 
Geathers, and Carolina Hidalgo, and teachers for their support of this 
program and working with the Middle School Quality Initiative, a New 
York City Department of Education program focused on preparing middle 
school students for college. Please join me in saluting the MS 50 
Debate New York City Champion Debate Team of 2016 and 2017.
  Kevin Ascension, Jusue Canatero Nixon, Brandy Flores, Anthony Imbert, 
Kelvin Imbert,

[[Page E932]]

 A-Tiyana Johnson, Leslie Malin, Tracey McKeever, Victoria Paredes, 
Reynaldo Ramos, Grant Shan, Daiana Valencia, Emma Pichardo, Crisagnelly 
Canario, Tarek Ali, Denise Merino, Bryan Jacinto, Mohammed Islam, 
Evelis Rodriguez.
  Deirra DuBois, Samantha Espinal, Quanique Walker, Yariel Cruz 
Hernandez, Solina Perez, Heaven Nesbitt, Wendy Calderon, Ariel Roman, 
Trystan Keohane, Michel Reyes, Fernando Espinal, Dawlin Paredez, Carlos 
Francisco, Merelin Penalo, Lisa Diaz, Lesly Deleon Clemente, Albert 
Sanchez, Yisneiry Rodriguez.

                          ____________________