On April 19, 1775, the Battle of Lexington and Concord was the “Shot Heard Around the World” that marked the start of the Revolutionary War. On April 12, 2025, just one week shy of that 250th anniversary, high school debate teams from around the region will meet in Arlington, VT to debate the key question of the time; “Shall the colonies seek independence from Great Britain?”
Approximately 8 teams will be competing for a $1,000 prize thanks to the support of the Keelan Family Foundation who is the sponsor for this event along with the Bennington Regional 250th Anniversary Planning Committee. Participating schools include Burr and Burton Academy, Arlington High School, Mount Anthony Union High School, and Grace Christian School.
“The question of whether or not to rebel was very serious. Lives hung in the balance. Indeed the future of the world would be defined by the outcome” says Jonah Spivak, chair of the Bennington Regional Anniversary Planning Committee. “Starting our regional 250th anniversaries with this debate highlights the importance of education in everything we do with remembering and commemorating these events. This is in effect re-enacting that key question, just one week before we stop talking about the question, and start fighting over it.”
The public is invited to come to watch the final debate and be a part of this first 250th anniversary event at noon on April 12. The debate is being hosted by the Arlington High School and the final debate will be held in the Theater. Park in the large lot up behind the Arlington High School and there will be a sign directing to the Theater. Please arrive a little early so as to be seated by noon in time for the debate.
For more information about the 250th Anniversaries in our region, please visit bennington250.org or email bennington250@gmail.com.