The Manchester Essex Regional High School Speech & Debate Team recently hosted a lively mock debate fundraiser, treating the community to a spirited showdown on one of today's hottest policy questions: Should the Federal Trade Commission establish a federal regulatory framework for sports betting?
The Pro team — Annabelle Kerivan and Rosie Renehan — made a compelling case for federal oversight, arguing that the current patchwork of state regulations increases the risk of poverty, enables insider trading, and puts young people at risk.
On the Con side, Abby Borgerson and Stella Langille pushed back with equal conviction, contending that sports betting is already being handled capably at the state level, and that a resource-strapped FTC simply isn't equipped to take it on.
A genuine highlight of the evening came from student Simone Argento, who delivered a heartfelt speech about what debate means to her — a reminder of just how much this program shapes the young people in it. Keeping the whole event moving with warmth and purpose was debate coach Sally Berkowitz.
The evening was further elevated by a stellar panel of judges — many of them MERHS alumni who debated on this very team between 2004 and 2025. Elizabeth Edgerton, Ross Cowman, Stella Straub, Zo Brown, Fiona Negron, and Thomas Negron returned to give back to this important program. The judging panel also boasted impressive professional credentials: MERSD teachers, an attorney, and a former DraftKings data scientist, making for some uniquely qualified feedback on a topic that blended law, economics, and pop culture.
The highlight of the night? Live auctioneer Charlie Davis — MERHS alum, attorney, former debater, and perhaps most excitingly, a Survivor contestant — brought energy and local star power to the fundraising portion of the evening.
The debate team is proud to report that the event raised meaningful funds toward their 2025–2026 season, but the work isn't done yet. The team — which includes 16 talented students — is still working toward their fundraising goal and would love community support.
You too can donate to the MERHS Debate Team at givebutter.com/2026-merhs-speech-and-debate-team-mock-debate-fundraiser-q8yjp3, scan the QR code at canva.link/sc8y819s8hw7kez, or follow along on Instagram at @merhsspeechanddebate.
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