November 19, 2025

Welcome Letter from Yasmin Bhatia

Good morning scholars, judges, families, and Uplift teammates,

Welcome to our second annual CMO Speech & Debate Scrimmage! We are so excited to have you here at the CMO today as we celebrate the power of student voice, critical thinking, and leadership across our network.

Speech and Debate are one of the most meaningful opportunities we offer our scholars. It helps strengthen confidence, sharpens communication skills, and creates space for young leaders to develop and express their ideas with clarity and courage. Today is not just a competition, it is a showcase of the hard work, preparation, and passion that each of you brings to this craft.

To our judges and families, thank you for your time, encouragement, and partnership. Your support makes experiences like todays possible.

And to our scholars—whether this is your first scrimmage or your final season, I hope you leave today feeling proud, inspired, and motivated to keep growing. Your voices matter, and we are honored to witness your development as thinkers, advocates, and leaders.

Wishing each of you a wonderful scrimmage and a memorable day of learning and connection.

Warmly,
Yasmin Bhatia
Chief Executive Officer
Uplift Education

Dear Scholars,

Welcome to the inaugural Uplift Speech Scrimmage! It's truly exciting to witness the launch of this event, where you'll have the chance to showcase your voices, talents, and perspectives. As President, I'm thrilled to support you in this journey and to encourage your growth in the incredible fields of Speech & Debate.

At Uplift, we believe deeply in providing spaces where every student can thrive. Speech & Debate are more than just extracurriculars - they're powerful tools that build confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and foster collaboration. In dedicating time and resources to this program, we're affirming our commitment to equipping you not just for competition, but for success in college careers, and the world beyond.

Your journey here is about more than winning. It's about cultivating skills that open doors, build lifelong friendships, and allow each of you to express yourselves fully. Together, you're not only creating memories but also shaping the culture of Uplift by showing that dedication and passion can lead to boundless possibilities.

Congratulations on taking part in this scrimmage - I can't wait to see all that you will accomplish!

With pride and anticipation,

Remy Washington President, Uplift Education