WUDL partners with the Matthew Harris-Ornstein Memorial Foundation each year for our summer debate program. Matthew was a mentor of Jess’s as a high school debater, and she is now the Executive Director of the Foundation dedicated to preserving his legacy.

As a volunteer, Jess lapped the competition, giving more than 300 hours of her time this past year to supporting young debaters. She coached at DC International and supported the WUDL Club Team for debaters without a program of their own, and also supported many of our regional tournaments, even without a team she was coaching in attendance. This includes a marathon weekend, judging 10 straight rounds at the Urban Debate Dragon Invitational in November.

Jess is an excellent partner to work with each year, and we wish her well as she pursues a degree in Social Work over the next few years!