Friends of Needham Speech and Debate

This April I'm going to be running the Boston Marathon to support the Boston Debate League (BDL).
 
The Boston Debate League is an organization that is working to get debate into the Boston inner-city public schools. It is doing a great job working to improve high school and college graduation rates. It is also pushing the idea that "smart is cool" with many of the inner city students.

One of our Needham debate alum is very involved with the Boston Debate League and actually organized the charity team for the marathon (Paul Wexler also sits on the BDL board).

I've spoken with several of the BDL students myself and the difference that this organization is making for them is amazing.

Obviously, I don't have to convince a speech and debate parent of the impact that speech and debate has on a student.

You can find more information about the BDL at http://www.bostondebate.org/.  

Helping kids get involved with speech and debate is something that I'm really passionate about. It's made a huge difference to me in my life, and that is why I have volunteered coaching at Needham for the past 3 years.

I am hoping that the Needham parents can support me in this endeavor. As part of the marathon team we are trying to raise money for the Boston Debate League.

If you are able to donate, it would be much appreciated by me and the students of the BDL. You can donate online at my website  www.razoo.com/story/Boston-Marathon-Team   (click on "Show All Fundraisers" if you don't see my page),

or you can mail a check to the “Boston Debate League “with “Samantha Gathers - Boston Marathon” in the memo line:

Thank you for your support in giving back to our community in this way. I know that the speech and debate parents share my enthusiasm about the impact this activity has on our students!

Thanks much,

Samantha Gathers

Assistant Speech Coach- Needham High School