By Eric Erickson
Debate en Español champions
The Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL) has been providing programming, resources and coaching to high school and middle school students in the Twin Cities for over 20 years.
Recently that programming expanded to include a Spanish debate league. Participants conduct their research and debates fully in Spanish. Participants improve vocabulary and fluency while increasing critical thinking and other skills that debate teaches in any language.
The debating en Español has been a game-changer for Como Park students Juliana Carrion and Andres Carrion. As a team, they developed both pro and con arguments about Amazon Rainforest management policies and competed against teams from other schools.
In this year’s culminating event, a qualifier for the 2026 National Association for Urban Debate Leagues, the Carrion duo emerged as the champions. They will represent Como at the National Championships next spring in Boston at Harvard University. Expect more on this development next year!
Celebrating the class of 2025
Como’s seniors had a whirlwind of activity during their last week of high school.
Tuesday, May 27, was Senior Dedication Night in the Como Auditorium. Families gathered to witness their soon-to-be graduates honored on stage for academic awards, scholarships, leadership, service, department awards and athletics.
College tuition scholarships from community partners and sponsors ranged from $500 to $16,000 and were awarded by Wallin Education Partners, Blaze Financial, Paitich #forthekids Foundation, Como STEM, Get Ready Student Success, Rice St. Athletic Club, Travelers Edge, St. Paul Youth Services, Robert Street Business Association and the Como Park Schultz Scholarship.
The last day of school for seniors was Friday, May 30, which included picking up caps and gowns for graduation and enjoying the annual Senior Picnic hosted by the Como Park Booster Club.
Monday, June 2, was a memorable, fun-filled day as the class of 2025 experienced Valleyfair Amusement Park together. The event was supported by donations and the booster club.
The following day was the moment the seniors had all been waiting for: Graduation.
The seniors walked across the stage at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in downtown St. Paul to receive their diplomas on the evening of June 3.
Kirk Morris, assistant superintendent for St. Paul Public Schools, noted that Como’s seniors are part of history — the largest high school class ever in the United States with approximately 3.9 million graduates. (Source: Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education)
Eric Erickson is a social studies teacher at Como Park Senior High School and a regular freelance contributor to the Bugle.
Photo cutline: Como Park Senior High School faculty gather in the Cougar Forum after their final staff meeting of the 2024-25 academic year. The faculty include administrators, counselors, social workers and teachers. Photo submitted by Eric Erickson.
