The Great Debate Continues to Expand Exponentially, Drawing Nearly 600 Students From 15 States

Orlando, Fla., January 23, 2026 — Nearly 600 students from across Florida and the nation gathered in Orlando this past weekend to compete in the 5^th Annual Great Debate: Florida’s National Civics and Debate Championship. Participation in the championship has nearly quadrupled since the inaugural event held five years ago.

“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 Great Debate named champions in three events, Impromptu Speaking, Extemporaneous Debate and Legislative Debate, as well as in both the middle school and high school divisions.

Additionally, two special awards were given during the closing ceremony. Three debate coaches received the “Inspiring Coach Award” for their exceptional mentorship and excellence in speech and debate. One student was awarded “The Freedom Cup” for embodying what it means to be a great citizen.

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Middle School Top Five Overall Winners

The top five winners for each division and event are:

Overall – Middle School Division

• Champion – Avinoor Jutla, Lincoln Middle School

• 2nd Place – Emerson Blue, Seaside Neighborhood School

• 3rd Place – Keerthana Ramkumar, Public Speaking Academy

• 4th Place – Cooper Campen, Campen Homeschool

• 5th Place – Arianna Oropeza, IPrep Academy North

Overall – High School Division

• Champion – Daniel Llobet, School for Advanced Studies Wolfson

• 2nd Place – Margaret Lindemann, Region 14 Academy

• 3rd Place – Joseph Wise, Wildwood High School

• 4th Place – Andrew Hayes, Rockhurst High School

• 5th Place – David Arutyunyan, FAU High School

Impromptu Speaking – Middle School Division

• Champion – Cooper Campen, Campen Homeschool

• 2nd Place – Avinoor Jutla, Lincoln Middle School

• 3rd Place – Ellington Smith, Oak View Middle School

• 4th Place – Shreeya Narasimhan, Frazer Middle School

• 5th Place – Madison Lavidas, Randall Middle School

Impromptu Speaking – High School Division

• Champion – Joseph Wise, Wildwood High School

• 2nd Place – Andrea Lara, Wekiva High School

• 3rd Place – Audale Coburn, Lake Brantley High School

• 4th Place – Sritha Gaddam, Tocoi Creek High School

• 5th Place – Audrey Ellenburg, Newberry High School

Extemporaneous Debate – Middle School Division

• Champion – Arianna Oropeza, IPrep Academy North

• 2nd Place – Isha Sai Obulareddy, Public Speaking Academy

• 3rd Place – Reese Akins, Seaside Neighborhood School

• 4th Place – Keerthana Ramkumar, Public Speaking Academy

• 5th Place – Siya Barad, Lecanto Middle School

Extemporaneous Debate – High School Division

• Champion – Hailey Graepel, Pasco High School

• 2nd Place – Isaac Doi, Region 14 Academy

• 3rd Place – Stephanie Nwanyanwu, Lake Nona High School

• 4th Place – Mylin Ours, Home School

• 5th Place – Adam Francesconi, Samuel W Wolfson High School

Legislative Debate – Middle School Division

• Champion – Emerson Blue, Seaside Neighborhood School

• 2nd Place – Likitha Somarouth, Randall Middle School

• 3rd Place – Anushya Baruah, Public Speaking Academy

• 4th Place – Keerthana Ramkumar, Public Speaking Academy

• 5th Place – Maggie Castle, Oak View Middle School

Legislative Debate – High School Division

• Champion – Daniel Llobet, School for Advanced Studies Wolfson

• 2nd Place – Andrew Hayes, Rockhurst High School

• 3rd Place – Sofia Dirawi, Lake Nona High School

• 4th Place – Jarrett Kelley, Samuel W Wolfson High School

• 5th Place – Gillian Collins, Gainesville High School

Inspiring Coach Award

• Holly Chaker, Ponte Vedra High School

• Phillip Helt, Rockhurst High School (Missouri)

• Brittany White, Beachside High School

Freedom Cup Award

• Thomas Perez, Apopka High School

The Great Debate was hosted at the Caribe Royale, Lake Buena Vista High School and Southwest Middle School in Orlando. Established in January 2021, this championship is a “next-level” synthesis of civics education and debate. The competition challenges students’ civic knowledge, debate skills and endurance as students compete in three different debate events over two days. View a full list of winners and learn more about The Great Debate at www.TheGreatDebateFL.com.