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 $20,000 FDI Scholarship presented by AT&T, celebrating outstanding students in competitive speech and debate. During a special presentation at the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) State Championship at New College of Florida, FDI was awarded a $20,000 check, and the scholarship recipients were revealed—honoring their dedication, leadership, and excellence in speech and debate.

As part of AT&T’s commitment to education and leadership development, the scholarship program awarded ten deserving students $2,000 each to support their academic pursuits. These recipients were selected not only for their debate achievements but also for their contributions to their schools and communities, representing the next generation of engaged citizens.

“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding students who exemplify the power of speech and debate in shaping our nation’s future civic leaders,” said Abraham López, President of the Florida Debate Initiative. “Thanks to AT&T’s generous support, these scholarships will provide students with the resources to continue their academic journeys and competitive success.”

AT&T’s investment in speech and debate aligns with its broader mission to advance education and digital literacy, ensuring students gain the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

“At AT&T, we believe in the transformative impact of education and the role that debate plays in developing future leaders,” said Joe York, President of AT&T Florida. “The Florida Debate Initiative is an incredible program, and we are proud to work alongside them to support these students as they take their next steps in education and leadership.”

The scholarship recipients announced at the event include:

• 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, coached by Morgan Mousley, who will be attending Georgetown University.

• Abigail Minchin of Gulf Breeze High School, coached by Dr. Torie Fowler, who will be attending the University of South Carolina.

• Victoria Joseph of Ponte Vedra High School, coached by Holly Chaker, who will be attending the University of Florida.

• Gavin Miles of Q. I. Roberts Jr./Sr. High School, coached by Michele Knowles, who will be attending Florida State University.

• Nicholas Ostheimer of Florida Atlantic University High School, coached by Kristin Potter-Oliveri, who will be attending Florida Atlantic University.

• Grace Jackson of Paul J. Hagerty High School, coached by Samantha Ollweiler, who will be attending UCLA.

• Sarah Beckman of Fort Walton Beach High School, coached by Katrina Brominguez, who will be attending the University of Central Florida.

• And finally, Samantha Faucette of Apopka High School, coached by Cathy Brown, who will be attending the University of Florida.

Each student will formally receive their $2,000 scholarship at local presentation events to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

The Florida Debate Initiative remains dedicated to expanding opportunities for students across the state, ensuring that speech and debate serve as a platform for empowerment, academic success, and civic engagement.

For more information on the FDI Scholarship presented by AT&T, visit www.floridadebate.org/attscholarship.

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About Florida Debate Initiative (FDI)

The Florida Debate Initiative promotes competitive speech and debate across Florida’s middle and high schools, empowering emerging student leaders with essential communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Through its partnership with the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI), FDI aims to make speech and debate accessible to students from all backgrounds across the state. To learn more about the Florida Debate Initiative, go to www.FloridaDebate.org or follow us on social media @FloridaDebate. 

*About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T  

At AT&T, our corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. We are committed to providing people of all ages and from every community with the essential resources they need to thrive in the digital era. For generations, we have supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, we have committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Our efforts particularly focus on uplifting underserved communities, including students, older adults, and those on tribal lands, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities.