Florida Debate Initiative Announces Winners of the 2026 America 250 Speech Contest

Students across Florida reflect on what they love most about America as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.

Oviedo, Fla. - In celebration of Independence Day and in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Florida Debate Initiative is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 America 250 Speech Contest, a statewide opportunity for students to reflect on what they love most about the United States and why it makes them proud.

The contest invited students in grades 3 through 8 to write and record an original audio-only speech responding to the prompt: “What do you love most about America — and why does it make you proud?”

Students submitted a typed transcript and audio recording of their speeches, which were reviewed by a panel of judges for content, clarity, delivery, and adherence to contest guidelines. Submissions were judged by division: grades 3–5, grades 6–7, and 8th grade.

“At its best, speech and debate gives young people the courage to think deeply, speak clearly, and believe that their voice matters,” said Abraham López, President of the Florida Debate Initiative. “This contest reminded us that patriotism is not just something we inherit — it is something each generation must understand, express, and carry forward. These students did more than answer a prompt. They gave us hope, perspective, and a powerful reminder of what makes America worth celebrating.”

2026 America 250 Speech Contest Honorees

Grades 3–5 Division

• 1st Place: Nina Dunn, Valley Ridge Academy, Ponte Vedra

• 2nd Place: Harlem Phipps, Park Maitland School, Orlando

• 3rd Place: Diana Arutyunyan, A.D. Henderson University School, Davie

Grades 6–7 Division

• 1st Place: Shreehari Gopinath, Sanford Middle School, Sanford

• 2nd Place: Alexander Hobbins, Tyndall Academy, Panama City

• 3rd Place: George Paige, Homeschool, Orlando

8th Grade Division

• 1st Place: Sahaj Kalia, Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School, Jacksonville

• 2nd Place: Ali Peterson, Tyndall Academy, Callaway

• 3rd Place: Nehemie Nerette, iPrep Academy North, North Miami Beach

First-place winners in each division will receive $100, second-place winners will receive $50, and third-place winners will receive $25.

The Florida Debate Initiative congratulates every student who participated in the America 250 Speech Contest and thanks the educators, coaches, families, and judges who helped make this statewide celebration of student voice possible.

As America celebrates 250 years, FDI remains committed to helping students across Florida build the confidence, communication skills, and civic understanding needed to lead the next chapter of our nation’s story.

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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 Department of Education’s 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.