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AT&T and Florida Debate Initiative Announce Winners of $20,000 Scholarship Program at the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative Statewide Debate Championship

AT&T and Florida Debate Initiative Announce Winners of $20,000 Scholarship Program at the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative Statewide Debate Championship

AT&T and Florida Debate Initiative Announce Winners of $20,000 Scholarship Program at the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative Statewide Debate Championship

Sarasota, FL – April 9, 2025 – The Florida Debate Initiative (FDI) , in collaboration with AT&T , proudly announces the winners of the...

Spotlight on Generosity: Charles Flores of Hagerty High School Awarded $1000 from the FDI Scholarship Fund

Spotlight on Generosity: Charles Flores of Hagerty High School Awarded $1000 from the FDI Scholarship Fund

Spotlight on Generosity: Charles Flores of Hagerty High School Awarded $1000 from the FDI Scholarship Fund

We’re incredibly proud to share the story of Charles Flores, a remarkable student from Hagerty High School who went above and beyond to...

ICYMI: SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™ Students Win in Statewide Veterans Day Speech Contest

ICYMI: SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™ Students Win in Statewide Veterans Day Speech Contest

ICYMI: SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™ Students Win in Statewide Veterans Day Speech Contest

December 23, 2024 SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™ is proud to announce that two of its students, Jillian Pereira (8th grade) and Emerson...

LET'S BE

Wishing Beth Eskin, Florida Debate Initiative’s Co-Founder, a very happy birthday. Thank you for all that you do for speech and debate in Florida!

Wishing Beth Eskin, Florida Debate Initiative’s Co-Founder, a very happy birthday. Thank you for all that you do for speech and debate in Florida!

#ICYMI: Florida debate students spent 4 days in Washington D.C. exploring our nation’s capital, receiving a first-hand experience of our country’s governmental processes, participating in a mock congressional hearing and touring all the iconic landmarks.

Swipe through to see some of our favorite moments from 2025 Civics Immersion.

Interested in participating in Civics Immersion 2026? Fill out the interest form on our website: https://www.floridadebate.org/contact-us

#ICYMI: Florida debate students spent 4 days in Washington D.C. exploring our nation’s capital, receiving a first-hand experience of our country’s governmental processes, participating in a mock congressional hearing and touring all the iconic landmarks.

Swipe through to see some of our favorite moments from 2025 Civics Immersion.

Interested in participating in Civics Immersion 2026? Fill out the interest form on our website: https://www.floridadebate.org/contact-us

Yesterday on day 3 of the Civics Immersion Experience, our students had the opportunity to explore the Capitol and the @floridahousedc!

Yesterday on day 3 of the Civics Immersion Experience, our students had the opportunity to explore the Capitol and the @floridahousedc!

Students are having a blast on the 2025 Civics Immersion Trip!

Today, they:
☑️Enjoyed lunch at The Hard Rock D.C. and dinner at Pinstripes in Georgetown
☑️Stopped to explore the National Museum of Native American History
☑️Heard about the Holocaust from a Holocaust Survivor at The Holocaust Museum
☑️Experienced a Memorials and Monuments Tour including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
☑️Had a GREAT kickoff day to the 2025 Civics Immersion Experience!

Interested in getting involved next year? Learn more: FloridaDebate.org/civicsimmersion

Students are having a blast on the 2025 Civics Immersion Trip!

Today, they:
☑️Enjoyed lunch at The Hard Rock D.C. and dinner at Pinstripes in Georgetown
☑️Stopped to explore the National Museum of Native American History
☑️Heard about the Holocaust from a Holocaust Survivor at The Holocaust Museum
☑️Experienced a Memorials and Monuments Tour including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
☑️Had a GREAT kickoff day to the 2025 Civics Immersion Experience!

Interested in getting involved next year? Learn more: FloridaDebate.org/civicsimmersion

On Saturday we awarded the FDI Scholarship Presented by AT&T to 10 stellar debate seniors! Congratulations to:

⭐️Michael Dickson of Samuel Wolfson High School, coached by Melissa Losure, who will be attending the University of North Florida.
⭐️Scarlet Weisheimer of New Smyrna Beach High School, coached by Clifford Weisheimer, who will be attending the University of Florida.
⭐️Noah De Haan of Tocoi Creek High School, attending Georgetown University.
⭐️Abigail Minchin of Gulf Breeze High School, attending the University of Florida.
⭐️Victoria Joseph of Ponte Vedra High School, attending the University of Florida.
⭐️Gavin Miles of Q. I. Roberts Jr./Sr. High School, attending Florida State University.
⭐️Nicholas Ostheimer of Florida Atlantic University High School, attending Florida Atlantic University.
⭐️Grace Jackson of Paul J. Hagerty High School, attending UCLA.
Sarah Beckman of Fort Walton Beach High School, attending the University of Central Florida.
⭐️Samantha Faucette of Apopka High School, attending the University of Florida.

Thank you to our partner, AT&T for your commitment to speech and debate in Florida and for supporting the next generation of leaders as they pursue higher education!

On Saturday we awarded the FDI Scholarship Presented by AT&T to 10 stellar debate seniors! Congratulations to:

⭐️Michael Dickson of Samuel Wolfson High School, coached by Melissa Losure, who will be attending the University of North Florida.
⭐️Scarlet Weisheimer of New Smyrna Beach High School, coached by Clifford Weisheimer, who will be attending the University of Florida.
⭐️Noah De Haan of Tocoi Creek High School, attending Georgetown University.
⭐️Abigail Minchin of Gulf Breeze High School, attending the University of Florida.
⭐️Victoria Joseph of Ponte Vedra High School, attending the University of Florida.
⭐️Gavin Miles of Q. I. Roberts Jr./Sr. High School, attending Florida State University.
⭐️Nicholas Ostheimer of Florida Atlantic University High School, attending Florida Atlantic University.
⭐️Grace Jackson of Paul J. Hagerty High School, attending UCLA.
Sarah Beckman of Fort Walton Beach High School, attending the University of Central Florida.
⭐️Samantha Faucette of Apopka High School, attending the University of Florida.

Thank you to our partner, AT&T for your commitment to speech and debate in Florida and for supporting the next generation of leaders as they pursue higher education!

Today is the day – Florida Debate takes on D.C.! We are filled with excitement as we make our way to Washington D.C.

We have a full itinerary for the next few days:
✅ Walk Capitol Hill and visit the U.S. Supreme Court
✅ Participate in mock Congressional hearings
✅ Tour iconic landmarks from the National Archives and Smithsonian Museums

Follow along as these students experience a once in a lifetime trip!

Today is the day – Florida Debate takes on D.C.! We are filled with excitement as we make our way to Washington D.C.

We have a full itinerary for the next few days:
✅ Walk Capitol Hill and visit the U.S. Supreme Court
✅ Participate in mock Congressional hearings
✅ Tour iconic landmarks from the National Archives and Smithsonian Museums

Follow along as these students experience a once in a lifetime trip!

Wishing the best of luck to all students competing in the 2025 @civicsanddebate State Championship this weekend! We can’t wait to see you all at New College of Florida for an unforgettable day of debate!

Don’t miss it! During the main event Saturday, we will present 10 hardworking high school seniors with the FDI Scholarship Presented by AT&T. This scholarship awards each recipient $2,000 toward furthering their formal education.

Wishing the best of luck to all students competing in the 2025 @civicsanddebate State Championship this weekend! We can’t wait to see you all at New College of Florida for an unforgettable day of debate!

Don’t miss it! During the main event Saturday, we will present 10 hardworking high school seniors with the FDI Scholarship Presented by AT&T. This scholarship awards each recipient $2,000 toward furthering their formal education.

Only FIVE more days until 40 debate students are in our nation’s capital for the 2025 Civics Immersion Experience!

This is a unique opportunity to explore the institutions that shape our country, witness debate in action and gain firsthand insights into our nation’s political processes. 🌟

We can’t wait to share this unforgettable journey with these talented debate students. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to take on D.C.!

Only FIVE more days until 40 debate students are in our nation’s capital for the 2025 Civics Immersion Experience!

This is a unique opportunity to explore the institutions that shape our country, witness debate in action and gain firsthand insights into our nation’s political processes. 🌟

We can’t wait to share this unforgettable journey with these talented debate students. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to take on D.C.!

The FCDI State Championship is THIS WEEKEND!

Wishing all competitors the best of luck!

Students: how are you prepping for the State Championship? Drop your best debate prep tips below!

The FCDI State Championship is THIS WEEKEND!

Wishing all competitors the best of luck!

Students: how are you prepping for the State Championship? Drop your best debate prep tips below!

Learn valuable skills while working to advance speech and debate education in Florida!

FDI is looking to add dedicated college students wanting experience in public administration, non-profit management, or communications to our Fellowship Program.

Learn more today:
floridadebate.org/fdi-fellows

Learn valuable skills while working to advance speech and debate education in Florida!

FDI is looking to add dedicated college students wanting experience in public administration, non-profit management, or communications to our Fellowship Program.

Learn more today:
floridadebate.org/fdi-fellows

🚨 FINAL BUZZER! Applications for the FDI Scholarship presented by AT&T close TONIGHT! 🏆
Seniors, this is your last chance to secure $2,000 toward college. Don’t let this opportunity slip away—hit submit before it’s too late! 💪🎤
📅 Deadline: Midnight, March 27, 2025
🔗 https://www.floridadebate.org/attscholarship
#LastChance #FDIScholarship #FutureIsNow #NoExcuses #FinalBuzzer

🚨 FINAL BUZZER! Applications for the FDI Scholarship presented by AT&T close TONIGHT! 🏆
Seniors, this is your last chance to secure $2,000 toward college. Don’t let this opportunity slip away—hit submit before it’s too late! 💪🎤
📅 Deadline: Midnight, March 27, 2025
🔗 https://www.floridadebate.org/attscholarship
#LastChance #FDIScholarship #FutureIsNow #NoExcuses #FinalBuzzer

We are excited to recognize the following Legislators as the first recipients of the FDI Gavel Down Award:
Senator Gaetz, Senator Hooper, Representative Trabulsy, Representative Canady and Senator Passidomo!

We commend each of you for your leadership and appreciate your dedication to advancing access to civics education through competitive speech and debate programming for Florida’s students.

We are excited to recognize the following Legislators as the first recipients of the FDI Gavel Down Award:
Senator Gaetz, Senator Hooper, Representative Trabulsy, Representative Canady and Senator Passidomo!

We commend each of you for your leadership and appreciate your dedication to advancing access to civics education through competitive speech and debate programming for Florida’s students.

The FDI team is excited to be in Tallahassee for the next few days, meeting with legislators and spreading the word about the great work that is being done in our state to expand access to civics, speech and debate education across Florida. Follow along on our story today as we present the FDI Gavel Award to well-deserving Florida legislators.

Along with our partners @CivicsandDebate, we are committed to providing programs that empower students and coaches to become articulate, informed, and engaged citizens.

Learn more about our vision for Florida’s students: floridadebate.org.

The FDI team is excited to be in Tallahassee for the next few days, meeting with legislators and spreading the word about the great work that is being done in our state to expand access to civics, speech and debate education across Florida. Follow along on our story today as we present the FDI Gavel Award to well-deserving Florida legislators.

Along with our partners @CivicsandDebate, we are committed to providing programs that empower students and coaches to become articulate, informed, and engaged citizens.

Learn more about our vision for Florida’s students: floridadebate.org.

🚨 Crunch Time! Just 48 hours left to apply for the FDI Scholarship presented by AT&T! ⏳
Don’t miss your shot at $2,000 for college! If you’ve competed in the FCDI 2024–2025 speech and debate season, now’s your time to shine. ✨🏆
📅 Deadline: March 27, 2025
🔗 https://www.floridadebate.org/attscholarship
#ApplyNow #FDIScholarship #DebateLife #ScholarshipFinalCall

🚨 Crunch Time! Just 48 hours left to apply for the FDI Scholarship presented by AT&T! ⏳
Don’t miss your shot at $2,000 for college! If you’ve competed in the FCDI 2024–2025 speech and debate season, now’s your time to shine. ✨🏆
📅 Deadline: March 27, 2025
🔗 https://www.floridadebate.org/attscholarship
#ApplyNow #FDIScholarship #DebateLife #ScholarshipFinalCall

Get ready to inspire, empower, and lead!

Looking to connect with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to elevating speech and debate efforts in Florida? We need your help!

Join the FDI Speech Squad!

New members: Receive an exclusive gift from FDI when you double-down your donation!

Learn more today at floridadebate.org/speech-squad

Get ready to inspire, empower, and lead!

Looking to connect with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to elevating speech and debate efforts in Florida? We need your help!

Join the FDI Speech Squad!

New members: Receive an exclusive gift from FDI when you double-down your donation!

Learn more today at floridadebate.org/speech-squad

⏳ Halftime Check-In! One week down, one to go! Have you applied for the FDI Scholarship presented by AT&T yet? 🏆💰
10 Florida seniors will score $2,000 each toward their college dreams! Submit your application by March 27 and keep your future in play.
🔗 https://www.floridadebate.org/attscholarship
#ScholarshipAlert #DebateWins #FutureLeaders #FDIScholarship

⏳ Halftime Check-In! One week down, one to go! Have you applied for the FDI Scholarship presented by AT&T yet? 🏆💰
10 Florida seniors will score $2,000 each toward their college dreams! Submit your application by March 27 and keep your future in play.
🔗 https://www.floridadebate.org/attscholarship
#ScholarshipAlert #DebateWins #FutureLeaders #FDIScholarship

Strike GOLD this St. Pa-trick’s Day with this debate trick:

Utilize resources like news articles, informative podcasts, and expert interviews to help inspire ideas and get diverse perspectives.

Strike GOLD this St. Pa-trick’s Day with this debate trick:

Utilize resources like news articles, informative podcasts, and expert interviews to help inspire ideas and get diverse perspectives.

Today is National Write Your Story Day!

Storytelling is a key part of speech and debate. On National Write Your Story Day, find a creative way to #WriteYourStory!

Prepare a short informative speech on your debate journey and post it! Tag @floridadebate and you could have the opportunity to be featured on the @floridadebate website or social channels!

Tag your teammates below so they can join in on the fun!

Today is National Write Your Story Day!

Storytelling is a key part of speech and debate. On National Write Your Story Day, find a creative way to #WriteYourStory!

Prepare a short informative speech on your debate journey and post it! Tag @floridadebate and you could have the opportunity to be featured on the @floridadebate website or social channels!

Tag your teammates below so they can join in on the fun!

Game on! The FDI Scholarship presented by AT&T is officially open! If you’re a high school senior who has competed in the FCDI 2024–2025 speech and debate season, this is your shot at $2,000 for college! 🏆🎓
📅 Apply by March 27, 2025 – don’t wait until the final buzzer!
🔗 https://www.floridadebate.org/attscholarship

Game on! The FDI Scholarship presented by AT&T is officially open! If you’re a high school senior who has competed in the FCDI 2024–2025 speech and debate season, this is your shot at $2,000 for college! 🏆🎓
📅 Apply by March 27, 2025 – don’t wait until the final buzzer!
🔗 https://www.floridadebate.org/attscholarship

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to FDI Board Member Marc Adler!

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to FDI Board Member Marc Adler!

Although we celebrate speech and debate every day at FDI, TODAY, we celebrate National Speech and Debate Education Day.

The FDI team is working to expand speech and debate education in Florida every day.

Show your support for Florida’s students and for speech and debate education. Visit floridadebate.org to learn more about how you can get involved with us!

Although we celebrate speech and debate every day at FDI, TODAY, we celebrate National Speech and Debate Education Day.

The FDI team is working to expand speech and debate education in Florida every day.

Show your support for Florida’s students and for speech and debate education. Visit floridadebate.org to learn more about how you can get involved with us!

It’s #TipTuesday!

Practice active listening!

Listen closely to your opponents. In debate, knowing exactly what the other side is saying gives you an edge in responding quickly and effectively.

It’s #TipTuesday!

Practice active listening!

Listen closely to your opponents. In debate, knowing exactly what the other side is saying gives you an edge in responding quickly and effectively.

STUDENTS!! Are you looking to make a lasting impact on your community?

FDI’s Salute to Service program is a unique leadership and service experience that is designed for students who are eager to make a difference!

You’ll have the opportunity to engage in a service project that directly benefits active military members, veterans, or military families.

Honor their legacy and leave a lasting impact on your community by applying today!

Apply by March 3: floridadebate.org!

STUDENTS!! Are you looking to make a lasting impact on your community?

FDI’s Salute to Service program is a unique leadership and service experience that is designed for students who are eager to make a difference!

You’ll have the opportunity to engage in a service project that directly benefits active military members, veterans, or military families.

Honor their legacy and leave a lasting impact on your community by applying today!

Apply by March 3: floridadebate.org!

It’s the last day to apply for the 2025 FDI Civics Immersion Trip!

Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity for students to gain insights into legislative and judicial processes firsthand.

Apply today to join us April 7-11 in Washington, D.C.!
https://www.floridadebate.org/civicsimmersion

It’s the last day to apply for the 2025 FDI Civics Immersion Trip!

Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity for students to gain insights into legislative and judicial processes firsthand.

Apply today to join us April 7-11 in Washington, D.C.!
https://www.floridadebate.org/civicsimmersion

We’ve extended the deadline to apply for FDI’s Salute to Service Program.

High schoolers in grades 10-12: sharpen your communication skills, receive personalized mentorship, and grow as a leader during two in-person immersive weekend summits!

Visit floridadebate.org to apply by March 3!

We’ve extended the deadline to apply for FDI’s Salute to Service Program.

High schoolers in grades 10-12: sharpen your communication skills, receive personalized mentorship, and grow as a leader during two in-person immersive weekend summits!

Visit floridadebate.org to apply by March 3!

FDI’s Salute to Service program offers an incredible opportunity for students to build communication skills, gain one-on-one mentorship, and develop as a leader.

They’ll connect with like-minded peers, grow their network, and make a lasting impact through a meaningful community service project dedicated to supporting veterans, active military members, or military families.

APPLY NOW at FloridaDebate.org! 🇺🇸📝🫡 The deadline has been extended to March 3, 2025.

FDI’s Salute to Service program offers an incredible opportunity for students to build communication skills, gain one-on-one mentorship, and develop as a leader.

They’ll connect with like-minded peers, grow their network, and make a lasting impact through a meaningful community service project dedicated to supporting veterans, active military members, or military families.

APPLY NOW at FloridaDebate.org! 🇺🇸📝🫡 The deadline has been extended to March 3, 2025.

What an incredible weekend of fierce competition, brilliant arguments and unforgettable moments! 🎤✨

This past weekend students in the Gulf Coast, Northwest, Southeast and South Regions competed in @civicsanddebate tournaments.

What an incredible weekend of fierce competition, brilliant arguments and unforgettable moments! 🎤✨

This past weekend students in the Gulf Coast, Northwest, Southeast and South Regions competed in @civicsanddebate tournaments.

There is a place for everyone in our lineup!

Join the FDI Speech Squad and play a key role in expanding access to civics and debate in Florida.

Dedicated playmakers, from teachers and coaches to parents and community leaders, are encouraged to join the squad!

Learn more and join today>> floridadebate.org/speech-squad

There is a place for everyone in our lineup!

Join the FDI Speech Squad and play a key role in expanding access to civics and debate in Florida.

Dedicated playmakers, from teachers and coaches to parents and community leaders, are encouraged to join the squad!

Learn more and join today>> floridadebate.org/speech-squad

🇺🇸 Happy Presidents' Day!

➡️ Take a moment today to learn more about a president who inspires you or share below what leadership means to you!

This Presidents' Day, we recognize the leaders who have shaped our nation's history and our future. It’s a day to reflect on the values of leadership, service and civic responsibility.

🇺🇸 Happy Presidents' Day!

➡️ Take a moment today to learn more about a president who inspires you or share below what leadership means to you!

This Presidents' Day, we recognize the leaders who have shaped our nation's history and our future. It’s a day to reflect on the values of leadership, service and civic responsibility.

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