More than 200 students from the Northeast, Central and Gulf Coast Florida regions of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative competed in debate as part of a series of competitions. The three regions hosted virtual debate competitions, and students stood out with the strongest, most logically constructed, evidence-based arguments. Eleven winners emerged from 34 participating schools.
Gainesville resident
Makyala Gilliam, a student at Kanapaha Middle School, placed second for her topic “Just Talk.
Event organizers said implementing the online events has been a team effort that includes varsity student debaters, parents, college faculty, debate coaches and college students to help administer and judge the tournaments.