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Mission Statement

Bellevue Youth Debate uses debate to develop middle and high school students into strong, creative problem solvers by teaching them public speaking skills, empowering self-confidence, and engaging in thoughtful policy-oriented conversations. We are dedicated to increasing the accessibility of debate by eliminating financial and educational barriers preventing students from engaging in debate activities so they can discover their beliefs, learn about policy and current events, and share their knowledge with the larger community. 

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Evan Yi 

Founder, President, Head Coach
evan@bellevueyouthdebate.org

I founded this organization the summer after my junior year of high school to bring debate to middle and high school students in the most accessible way possible. When I was younger, I was very shy and uncomfortable talking in front of large audiences. Debate not only taught me how to write cases and do research, but it also gave me the confidence to present my ideas. I've had a lot of fun as a debater and I am excited to provide that experience for other students with as few barriers as possible.

~ Evan Yi

Stanford Class of 2027, Newport HS Class of 2023



Debate Experience:

Stanford Debate Society (Debater)

  • Glasgow Summer Cup (Jul. 2024), ProAm Finalist Team, 5th Place Novice Speaker
  • NYU APDA Tournament (Jan. 2023), Novice Finalist Team, 6th Place Novice Speaker


Newport Speech and Debate (Captain, Debater)

  • Emerald City Speech (Puget Sound District Ranking), First Place 2021, 2022
  • Washington State Debate Tournament (Mar. 2022), Finalist
  • Puget Sound District Tournament National Qualifier (Mar. 2022), Third Place
  • Mount Vernon Invitational and NIETOC Qualifier (Jan. 2022), Semi Finalist, Top Speaker
  • Glacier Peak Invitational and NIETOC Qualifier (Jan. 2022), Semi Finalist
  • Auburn Riverside Invitational and NIETOC Qualifier (Dec. 2021), First Place
  • Tahoma High School Golden Bear Classic (Nov. 2021), Second Place
  • Washington State Debate Tournament (Mar. 2021), Quarter Finalist
  • Puget Sound District Tournament National Qualifier (Feb. 2021), Eleventh Place
  • Kamiak Invitational (Jan. 2021), First Place
  • Mount Vernon Invitational and NIETOC Qualifier (Jan. 2021), Semi Finalist
  • Glacier Peak Invitational (Jan. 2021), Second Place
  • Auburn Riverside Invitational and NIETOC Qualifier (Dec. 2020), First Place
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Tendo Lumala

Co-Founder, Vice President, Head Coach
tendo@bellevueyouthdebate.org

Growing up, I was a loud and talkative kid, and when I found debate in 5th grade, I found an outlet to channel my extroverted qualities. From the first day, I knew it was the perfect club for me, but over the years, I've noticed that not everyone has the same opportunities as I did to participate in debate. Thus, I joined Bellevue Youth Debate to help provide free debate lessons and coaching to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience debate.

~ Tendo Lumala

Bellevue HS Class of 2024



Debate Experience:

  • Over 5 years of experience in both middle and high school debate
  • Holds experience in high school level Parliamentary Debate
  • Recipient of multiple speaker awards
  • Helped middle school team place first at every tournament in the 2018-2019 season