Nearly 600 students from 15 states gather in Orlando for the fifth annual Great Debate championship demonstrating civic engagement and debate skills

Orlando, Florida – Nearly 600 students from across the nation converged in Orlando, Florida, this past weekend to participate in the 5th Annual Great Debate: Florida’s National Civics and Debate Championship, showcasing both academic excellence and civic engagement. The event, which began in 2021, has grown exponentially over the past five years, nearly quadrupling in size since its inaugural competition. Students from 15 states competed in a rigorous series of debate events, demonstrating mastery of civics, public speaking, and critical thinking.

“Florida continues to lead the nation in civics education, and the growth of The Great Debate proves that Florida’s approach to civics and debate is a model for other states to follow,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “We are proud to host a national event that brings students together for a weekend of rigorous competition and thoughtful discourse.”

The championship took place across multiple venues, including the Caribe Royale, Lake Buena Vista High School, and Southwest Middle School. Students competed in three main events: Impromptu Speaking, Extemporaneous Debate, and Legislative Debate. Competitors were divided into middle school and high school divisions, allowing young debaters at various levels to showcase their skills.

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In addition to the standard awards for each event, the championship also recognized exceptional educators and students with two special honors. Three coaches were presented with the “Inspiring Coach Award” for their mentorship and dedication to student growth in debate, while one student was awarded “The Freedom Cup” for demonstrating the qualities of an exemplary citizen. These awards emphasize the championship’s commitment not only to competitive excellence but also to cultivating leadership and civic responsibility.

The results of the championship highlighted the breadth of talent present. In the middle school division, the overall champion was Avinoor Jutla of Lincoln Middle School, followed by Emerson Blue of Seaside Neighborhood School in second place, and Keerthana Ramkumar of the Public Speaking Academy in third. Cooper Campen of Campen Homeschool and Arianna Oropeza of IPrep Academy North rounded out the top five. In the high school division, Daniel Llobet from the School for Advanced Studies Wolfson secured first place overall, with Margaret Lindemann of Region 14 Academy in second, and Joseph Wise of Wildwood High School in third place.

The Impromptu Speaking events highlighted students’ ability to think and respond quickly. In the middle school category, Cooper Campen claimed the championship, while Avinoor Jutla took second place. The high school title went to Joseph Wise, with Andrea Lara of Wekiva High School in second. Extemporaneous Debate winners included Arianna Oropeza of IPrep Academy North in the middle school division and Hailey Graepel of Pasco High School in the high school division. Legislative Debate champions were Emerson Blue for middle school and Daniel Llobet for high school, demonstrating skill in structured, persuasive argumentation.

Special awards further recognized outstanding achievements. The “Inspiring Coach Award” was presented to Holly Chaker of Ponte Vedra High School, Phillip Helt of Rockhurst High School in Missouri, and Brittany White of Beachside High School for their exceptional mentorship and guidance. The prestigious “Freedom Cup” was awarded to Thomas Perez of Apopka High School for exemplifying citizenship, leadership, and commitment to civic engagement.

The Great Debate is designed as a “next-level” synthesis of civics education and competitive debate. Over the course of two days, students are challenged not only on their knowledge of government, policy, and civic processes but also on their endurance, collaboration, and ability to think critically under pressure. This combination of knowledge, skill, and real-time performance pushes participants to grow academically, socially, and personally.

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The growth of The Great Debate reflects broader trends in civics education, where interactive, hands-on experiences are increasingly valued for their ability to engage students and prepare them for active citizenship. The expansion from its modest beginnings to nearly 600 participants from across the country demonstrates the event’s increasing prestige and its role as a model for similar programs nationwide.

Commissioner Kamoutsas and organizers emphasized that events like The Great Debate do more than crown champions—they foster a culture of civic responsibility, critical thinking, and leadership. “By bringing students together from multiple states, we are not just hosting a competition; we are creating a network of young citizens who are equipped to think critically, debate respectfully, and participate actively in their communities,” Kamoutsas said.

For more information about The Great Debate, including a full list of winners, event details, and how to participate in future championships, interested parties can visit www.TheGreatDebateFL.com. With its remarkable growth, national reach, and commitment to fostering civic knowledge, The Great Debate continues to set a standard for educational competitions that combine academic rigor with real-world relevance, preparing students to lead and engage in the civic life of tomorrow.

This year’s championship proved once again that debate and civics education are not just about winning awards—they are about shaping young minds, encouraging thoughtful dialogue, and preparing students to be informed, engaged, and responsible citizens in a complex world.