Crestview High School hosted Incubate Debate’s 3rd Northwest Regional Tournament, on January 15, 2024. Middle and high school students from across the region debated the merits of Daylight-Saving Time, the International Monetary Fund, and the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan. Students were evaluated on their persuasiveness, civility, and critical thinking abilities by members of the United States Army and Navy; professors from Northwest Florida State College, Pensacola State College, and Gulf Coast State College; judges of Florida’s First Judicial Circuit; and elected officials from the cities of Crestview, Valparaiso, Niceville, and Mary Esther.
Placing among the top performers, three Fort Walton Beach High School students, Christian Bailey, William Kiker, and Alliyah Knochenmus will test their debate skills against competitors from across Florida and South Carolina at Incubate’s National Championship being held April 5th – 6th in Jacksonville, Florida, where $15,000 worth of scholarships will be available.
Crestview High School students, Asher Bryan and Jaivion Parks, won their breakout Tribunal Rounds; Jaivion Parks, received the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership; and Mr. Michael Dingess was awarded Coach of the Year.
Incubate Debate was founded in 2019 to bring no-cost, free-speech debate tournaments to students across Florida. Since its founding, the organization has served thousands of students at no-cost tournaments, workshops, and camps, according to Incubate Debate’s website. Students and schools interested in participating in Incubate Debate’s summer activities or next school year’s tournaments can learn more at IncubateDebate.org.