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July 8, 2007 we sent an e-mail to alumni to update them on the accomplishments of the 2006-2007 season. If you did not receive this e-mail it is probably because we don't have your address. Please take a moment and send us that information by completing the form below. Pass the word on to other Bellaire Debate alums you may have contact with.
Bellaire Debate alumni are an important part of the ongoing success of our program. Unfortunately, it is often easy to lose touch with those of you who are so important to us. Please take a moment and let us know what you are up to these days.
http://www.nflonline.org/Alumni/AlumniCentral
(click on a name)
Jay Stubbs or Russell Rach
Bill Henderson David Johnson
(click here)
It meant a lot to me even though I wasn't good at it. Mr. Johnson treated us like a college class and put a
lot of pressure on us. Little did I know how much it was going to help me in college!
Justus (Jody) Baird '91 Director of the Center for Multifaith Education Auburn Theological Seminary
Bellaire Debate gave me the ability to be articulate about current events and prepared me to think quickly on
my feet. It also taught me that just because people talk fast or have the most persuasive argument doesn't
mean that they have the best solution to a problem.
Paula Barvin '74 Elkins Park, PA Developing grass roots membership organizations for consumer and environmental
issues
I learned how to frame an argument and developing supporting points with evidence. I learned how to
research issues. I learned how to speak in public. I learned that appealing to lay judges was different than
just making a strong argument. Now, I prefer to argue on one side, instead of both. I feel passionate about
the issues on which I work. I'm glad that the organizations I work with take strong stands. But I've also
learned that we do not win by being right. We have to out organize our opponents. I thank Mr. Johnson
and the Bellaire debate organization for making me take my skills and intelligence seriously.
Natalie Bates '02 Austin, TX Work in State Representative Strama's office.
Public speaking and arguing are important abilities, but, though it was probably my least favorite aspect of
debate at the time, it also taught me how to research effectively. I cannot begin to describe how helpful
this has been in both college and politics. Frequently I am complimented on my research capabilities
because I do so more exhaustively than others (who did not have Bellaire debate!). Also, I feel that
Bellaire debate made me a much more rational and healthy person. Most girls in high school start out with
an immature attitude and shallow interests, and I will always be thankful that debate helped me overcome
those negative qualities. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am today without debate; it was
THE most worthwhile class I have ever taken.
Lauren Bleiden '99 Houston, TX Baylor College of Medicine grad date 2007
I think the closest friends I have, I made in Bellaire Debate. Plus, I learned how to knock out a research
paper in an afternoon.
Jeffrey Brookner '87 Bridgewater, NJ Attorney with Wilentz Goldman & Spitzer.
Everything. Of course, it taught me how to argue a point and speak in public. But also, it helped me
appreciate the benefits of hard work, optimism, creativity, and persistence.
Kenneth Carr '59 El Paso, TX Practicing labor & employment law.
I arrived at BHS as a sophomore the second year the school was open. Under Mollie Martin and Cecil
Pickett, we won sweepstakes at our first tournament of my junior year, and Bellaire's next loss was at
Nationals three years later, when they finished second nationally. In the meantime, BHS won sweepstakes
at Nationals in both 1958 and 1959. I take pride in playing a part in starting an outstanding winning
tradition that has lasted for five decades, and we are grateful to all of those who have carried on the
tradition of excellence for all these years.
Sam J. Charendoff '60 Lufkin, TX Optometrist
If I learned nothing else from Mollie Martin, it was to probe thoroughly any information I would need to
use. She also taught me to think on my feet. She was a dynamic woman who brought the best in all her
students.
Sandi Kaye-Cohan '98 Atlanta, GA Medical student Morehouse School of Medicine
As I look back at my short time with Bellaire Debate, I am struck by how intelligent my friends and fellow
debaters were, and how they were able to use their minds. I hope you all are still doing so!
Robert Doty '80 Kensington, CA Environmental lawyer
A much, much, much better high school experience than I would have had otherwise, and some damn good
friends even if I haven't been good about staying in touch. Indeed, just yesterday getting second at Nats
came in handy as I had to help my daughter deal with getting second at a soccer tournament. The critical
thinking, the public speaking, the strive to succeed and win, all of it has been incredibly valuable as I have
moved through the years since graduating. And every time I stand up in a court or at the front of some
room where I'm explaining to people how to solve the myriad problems associated with redeveloping
contaminated properties, and I hear my heart beating in my ears, I say to myself "take a breath, relax, speak
smoothly, make eye contact, smile from time to time, toss in a self-depricating joke if possible, and it will all
be fine, just like it was in all those rounds of debate and extemp." Works every time. Invaluable experience.
Jonathan Earl '05 Bellaire, TX Attending UT pursuing degree in civil engineering
Bellaire Debate helped me be confident in everything I do from researching to applying for jobs. I have
been through a lot of pressured situations from local to national levels of competition. After this experience
I feel like I keep excellent composure ever under incredible amounts of pressure. After failure, I realized
that you need to analyze why you failed and correct those mistakes. Bellaire Debate taught me the
importance of learning from your mistakes. That's all you need to succeed.
Daniel Epstein '01 Houston, TX Currently in law school.
There is no question that the experience I had in the debate program at Bellaire was formative in my
intellectual and personal development. I entered college well above other students in critical and analytic
abilities. The research and writing skills learned at Bellaire prepare any dedicated debater to succeed in
college and receive acceptance into an exceptional law school. Furthermore, the public speaking
experience enables students to develop the skills necessary for succeeding in a world that requires effective
communication and leadership. I hope Bellaire remains a bastion of independent and original thought and
research.
Andres Fabris '91 Dallas, TX Vice President of Business Development for Travelocity.com
Benjamin Finzel '85 Washington, D.C. Sr. VP Fleishmann-Hilliard, former Clinton Administration appointee
(Department of Energy)
Bellaire Debate gave me an introduction to the critical thinking and public speaking skills that I use
everyday in my career in public relations. I was only a member of Bellaire Debate for one year (my 10th
grade year), but the experience was important to my development as a confident, accomplished public
speaker and communications strategist.
Randy Friedman '89 Binghamton, NY Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Judaic Studies
I am still afraid of Mr. Johnson.
John Gordon '76 Pasadena, CA Partner in business litigation firm in Los Angeles.
It was great training to think analytically and speak extemporaneously, as well as work on a team. Overall,
a great experience.
Marc Grossberg '58 Houston, TX Lawyer Thompson & Knight LLP
It meant an immediate community for me when I transferred in the middle of my 11th grade year from San
Jacinto. That community was both fun and intellectually challenging. Many of those friendships persisted
and many of my colleagues have remained good friends. I was very sad to have lost Mack Kidd who died
earlier this year. Bellaire Debate also raised the bar from what I had experienced by their being a team
approach by Molly Martin who was also a fine teacher.
Russell Green '90 Washington, D.C. Deputy Director, International Monetary Policy, U.S. Treasury
Never before and never since have I been involved in anything so intensely, fantastically consuming. It was
a time I will always cherish, and about which I still have strong feelings. One can discuss all the ways
Bellaire Debate helped prepare us for college and careers, which is all true - college seemed easy after
Bellaire. But mostly I wish those deep friendships didn't get all scattered in the college diaspora.
Johnie Hackett III '03 Houston, TX Pursuing paralegal degree at Center for Advanced Legal Studies
BHS Debate was the most intellectually stimulating experience for my mind, my thinking process, and was
the highlight of my high school career. It was the epitome of supreme intelligence and only the smartest
could have ever survived. The research, case writing, and independent thinking skills that I received have
contributed in a major way to my success at my current firm. Many of my co-workers and my clients
commend me on my ability to be original, think logically, and to possess such a strong work ethic that
supercedes like any that they have ever seen. Debate taught me to be persistent, to strive for excellence,
and to be confident. Without that foundation set, I would not be able to do what I am doing today. I am
so glad that I had the opportunity to be a part of something great.
Joslna John '96 San Francisco, CA Labor & employment lawyer
Foundation of skills that I still use in my career as a litigator today.
David Kaplan '71 Santa Monica, CA Architect
Life!
Lee Kaplan '69 Houston, TX Founding partner Smyser, Kaplan & Veselka, L.L.P.
I credit debate with encouraging me and teaching me to think analytically and where possible, to present my
analysis persuasively.
Lyn Blumenthal-Karol '63 Incline Village, NV Vacation/Retirement home sales
It was the basis for all my success in life. The poise and capacity to think on my feet and express my ideas
eloquently, yet logically and succinctly was invaluable in all the diverse fields I have been able to enter. The
focus to get myself to the National Championship in extemporaneous speaking and taking Third Place was
confidence building. However, more important was the ability to seek criticism and to incorporate it into
my "next" presentation was so valuable. Critiquing taughtme to accept negative observations about my
performance without getting defensive. This is such a critical skill to constant never ending improvement.
Thank you to our principal Harlan Andrews, my debate coach Mollie Martin, and the many hours my
mother devoted to my enhancement as a speaker and a debate participant.
Harvey Kronberg '68 Austin, TX Publisher & Editor of Quorum Report
Debate was four things for me. First, Coach Bill Henderson challenged, intimidated,browbeat and cajoled all
of us into critical thinking and sharp analysis. Second, we all learned the power of communication and
persuasive thinking and writing. Third, we all learned how to put ourselves on the line every weekend in
competition where winning or losing was just an episode to enjoy or overcome and move on. Finally,I was
put in the company of some of the brightest, most committed people I have ever known. It is a privilege that
most of us are still friends and regularly stay in touch.
Victoria Lazar '83 Bellaire, TX Senior Counsel with EDS Corporation
Tremendous experience. Taught me to think logically and on my feet, stand up under pressure, speak
publicly both planned and extemporaneous and work hard for my own education. Debate helped me build
self confidence that I know impacts me daily. Thanks, DJ!
Cleophus J. Lee '90 Chicago, IL Program Manager of a WIA Workforce Development Program and CEO of NewLife
Community Development
It was a tremendous experience that helped to shape my intellectual life. Mr. David Johnson challenged us
beyond limits. To this day I reference back to some of the experiences I had in Bellaire Debate.
Jane Lindhout '66 Cedar Hills, UT High School principal
It absolutely changed my life. Had I not had the experience of having Bill Henderson turn me from a shy
and quiet "band geek" into a confident debater, I am sure I would not have accomplished all I have in my life.
I encourage my students to participate in debate because of the life-altering experience experience I had.
Stacy Goldberg-London '78 Houston, TX Co-own a mortgage company.
Bellaire Debate was a "life forming life altering" experience. So much of what I am today came from those 4
years! I couldn't imagine not having been a part of it. Now that my son is a teenager...he is a debater (not at
Bellaire) and it is all due to the memories we have shared of my debate life.
John M. Mericle '68 Seattle, WA Partner Harris Mericle & Wakayama PLLC, Adjunct Prof Seattle Univ Law School
Thanks to (Dr.) Bill Henderson, Bellaire Debate gave me the desire and the opportunity to test my biases
against those of others, and to struggle against unquestioning acceptance of what "we are told." And thanks
to remarkable companions like Harvey Kronberg (my long-suffering debater partner), Don Peters, Bill Roig,
Loma Cogen, Sandi Morgen, Ralph Zarefsky, Martha Farmer, Paul Downs and many others, I emerged
with a group of friends worthy of life-long respect.
Greg Miller '75 Delmar, NY Psychiatry.
Wow. It taught me so much about what it takes to make it through trials and tribulations and to make it to
success in a way that no other experience has ever led me. David Johnson was ever present, pushing for
your best, always seeing when it was missing and pushing for more, and where it wasn't it suddenly was.
Sandra Morgen '68 Eugene, OR Professor of Anthropology & Director of the Center for the Study of Women in
Society at the University of Oregon
Since 1968 I have used the speaking and analytical skills I learned and honed in debate in both my academic
career and as both a community organizer and community activist on behalf of progressive politics. I also
believe my politics -- feminist, anti-racist and pro-working people -- were in part shaped by the way my
critical thinking skills were developed in debate. I have the ability to stand up for what I believe in and
because of Bill Henderson, my debate colleagues and my experiences in extemporaneous speaking and
debate.
Arthur Nathan '69 Houston, TX Partner & Board of Directors of Haynes & Boone, LLP.
I was very fortunate to debate at Bellaire during 1968 and 1969. I was surrounded by brilliant people during
my two years - they were not only good friends, but great inspirations. Our debate coach, Bill Henderson,
probably did more to prepare me for college and law school than any other non-family member. I doubt that
I would have had the succeses that I've had during college, law school or professionally if I had not had an
absolutely superb teacher. Ther is no way that I can thank all of them enough for what they did to help me.
Greg Ostfeld '91 Chicago, IL Greenburg Taurig LLP appelate & litigation practice groups
Joining Bellaire Debate was the best decision I made in high school. It wan an activity I was passionate
about, and drove me to achieve and push myself in a way that ordinary schoolwork and classes could not.
I developed speaking skills and writing skills in debate that I still use in my legal practice today, and a sense
of self confidence that I badly needed. I consider David Johnson, the coach while I was at Bellaire, one of
the defining role models of my life..
Austin Osueke '98 San Francisco, CA Comic book publisher/IT consultant Stanford University
I learned how to think quickly on my feet as well as prepare for many variables and obstacles. I accredit
my business acumen to Bellaire Debate.
Don Peters '68 Phoenix, AZ Attorney
Bill Henderson's influence caused me to raise my expectations and my aspirations. He showed me that I
could do more than I thought I could. I also made friends that I'm still in touch with to this day.
Amar Raval '96 Bellaire, TX Attorney
The most intense, yet rewarding experience in my formative years. I learned public speaking, thinking on
my feet, and the importance of a poker face when things were going awry. Mr. Johnson pushed us hard,
but it was only to open the sleeping giant within. The friendships and stories I take from those times will
stay with me a very long time!
Devosha G. Cullick-Roscoe '65 Houston, TX Asst Gen Counsel of Synagro Technologies, Inc.
Everything...Bellaire Debate was my social activity, intellectual activity, psychological support and family. I
loved what I was doing, who I did it with and for. It made me happy and focused. Debate taught me to
take care of myself and express my views. It provided me with what I needed to continue my education
and gave me the push to succeed. It helped me to be organized, logical and analytical and to not be afraid. I
am proud to have participated and been a part of such an educational and important activity.
Dr. Alvan Rosenthal '62 Santa Monica, CA Management consultant
Prepared me for logical analysis of problems and presentations to large groups.
Bruce G. Rossiter '61 Irvine, CA Financial Advisor and Investment Banking
The fun of the debate group under Molly Martin. Competition of the mind; the humor of talented friends.
Doug Sandage '69 Houston, TX Attorney-Mediator
Learning rigorous logic and research skills. Managing the emotions around stiff competition on and off
the squad. Getting away from home for a few extra days every semester. A level of intellectual endeavor
never matched anywhere else I've been, even in big-firm law practice.
Amy Schorr '90 Austin, TX Dentist
From a social perspective, I made wonderful friends with other folks who wanted to make a difference in
the world. I'm still trying to make a difference through my work. And, my interest in public health policy
and challenging policy, I know, is founded from being in debate.
Julie Nahid Ahmad-Siddique '98 Staten Island, NY Criminal Justice Coordinator City of New York
Great friends, lots and lots of laughs, weekend tournaments (and all that comes along), a fair amount of
feat and anxiety (esp. before 7th period), a few disappointments - and learning how to deal with them,
gradually overcoming extreme shyness, beginning to develop self-confidence and intellectual curiosity, and
so many skills I didn't fully appreciate until much later - four fantastic years!
Sara Speights '63 Austin, TX State & Federal government lobbyist
There were good and bad influences from that time period...1960-1963. The best was that it forced me to
learn to think critically, which has been valuable all my life.
Nagesh Thurkal '95 New York, NY MBA student at NYU
I can't stress enough how important debate was for my intellectual growth. The basic lessons that you
learn while debating (logical reasoning, researching, public speaking) have helped me immensely. On top
of that, I can't forget the great friends and debate partners I met along the way.
Alan Waldman '63 Encino, CA Freelance writer.
It taught me to organize, to think on my feet, be fearless, see how Bush and others lie with statistics, speak
confidently in public, snag bright chicks.
Kenneth Waldman '65 Houston, TX Pschologist and Director of the Counseling Center at the University of Houston
I was too nervous to speak in front of a group. I got over this, learned to think on my feet, to organize, to
analyze, and got great joy from this activity as well as a lot of new friends. I learned that you can argue
either side of an issue with success. It wasn't until training in Psychology that I learned that relationships
are about being on the same team, not about being a good adversary.
Gary Walkow '71 Santa Monica, CA Writing & directing feature films; photographer.
It was a pivotal life experience, on every level. It shaped habits of self discipline, research, analysis, and
the effective presentation of ideas that have lasted a lifetime. It probably exacerbated my tendancy to be
argumentative, but I probably loved to argue before I started debating. Where else could I argue, get to
take long car trips, and win some trophies?
Jean Whileyman '65 Humble, TX Chemistry professor Kingwood College
If I had not participated in debate at Bellaire High School I would never have pursued my current career
of being a college professor which is a job that I really love. Before I entered the debate program I was a
very shy and unsure teenager. Debate gave me confidence and the ability fo get up in front of a group of
people and speak. I am very thankful for what debate did for my life.
Paul Zarefsky '69 San Francisco, CA Deputy City Attorney
Debate honed my analytical, speaking and writing skills, deepened my interest in public affairs, and gave
me greater confidence in working with, competing with, and leading others Our coach, Bill Henderson,
challenged us to be our very best. The high standards he set, and the aspirations for excellence that all of
us shared, made for an intense and rewarding intellectual endeavor. The friendships I developed through
Bellaire debate have remained constant over the years. We were a close knit group, devoted to one another.
The experience is one I often recall, and will never forget.
Lynn Zimmerman '69 Houston, TX VP & General Counsel Houston based chemical company
Honed key aspects of my personality (competitiveness, assertiveness, argumentativeness), for better and
for worse, and pushed me in the direction of law. There is no question that Bill Henderson challenged my
mind and thickened my skin for real life.
