March 28, 2007- Higher Achievement scholars engaged in an informed and passionate debate over whether or not the “Mayoral Takeover Does More Good than Harm.”
As new Ambassadors for their respective centers, scholars Jasmine Clarke (Ward 1), Anissa Chams-Eddine (Alexandria), Lorena Garcia (Ward 4), Nigel Peterson (Ward 6) and Brandi Taylor (Ward 7), took a firm stance on the mayoral takeover as they attempted to convince an audience full of 170 peers, parents, mentors, and professionals.
After a motivating welcome from special guest Mike Kimsey of the Kimsey Foundation, scholar Nigel Peterson provided the context for the evening with a speech that revealed that he was in favor of the takeover, but also explained the disadvantages of the takeover. Also defending the proposition side were scholars Lorena Garcia and Jasmine Clarke, while Anissa Chams-Eddine and Brandi Taylor represented the opposition side.
“Let’s debate!” exclaimed facilitator Colin Touhey, Executive Director of the DC Urban Debate League, to start the debate. With cogent arguments and rebuttals and challenging questions from the audience, this event highlighted the talent and opinions of the people who matter most in educational governance – the students!
This event was sponsored by the Kimsey Foundation and co-sponsored by the Jerry Taylor and Nancy Bryant Foundation. 
