HUDL hosts 2026 City Championships

Before rounds commenced, competitors gathered to hear United States Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur, a long-time HUDL supporter, kick off the day.

Feb. 28, 2026 - Students from throughout Greater Houston made their way to the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse for knockout rounds in the Houston Urban Debate League's 2025-2026 City Championships.

Having qualified earlier in the season, students from both the Houston Independent School District and from the Harris County Department of Education's CASE Debates program met to crown champions in each of HUDL's five debate formats. Champions didn't just get bragging rights. Each champion earned a Benjamin Donald Hatfield Scholarship to put to their college education, and many of the champions will have the opportunity to represent the city in post-season competition.

Between rounds, debaters were inspired by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez, who praised the students for their hard work and encouraged them to realize their potential.

This year's champions:

Policy Debate

City Champion: Bellaire HS - Leo Cheng and Ayub Ahmed

Runner-Up: DeBakey HS - Sanjit Kathi

World Schools Debate

City Champion: Alief Kerr HS - Leah Ghebrelul, Erica Carranza, Preston Nguyen, Syed Ali, and Gerardo Diaz

Runner-Up: Westchester Academy - Maria Ledezma, Raquel Barnes, Logan Nguyen, Piet Athmer, and Melissa Habani

Congressional Debate

City Champion: Samantha Tran, Bellaire HS

Runner-Up: Emilyn Sun, Bellaire HS

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

City Champion: Luca Cheng, Bellaire HS

Runner-Up: Aashrith Korampally, Bellaire HS

Traveling trophy accepted on behalf of the winners

Public Forum Debate

City Champion: Bellaire HS - Ivy Gu and Roy Zhao

Runner-Up: Bellaire HS - Mike Weng and Eric Xu

HUDL gratefully acknowledges the volunteers and supporters who made this day possible, and the caring and professional staff at the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse who helped our students create life-long memories.