Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas has announced the winners of the first Sunshine State Debate, a new competition held in recognition of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The event involved nearly 100 students from Florida College System institutions and focused on the nation’s Founders and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“I was honored to announce the winners of the inaugural Sunshine State Debate. Throughout the competition, students’ mastery of civic discourse, thoughtful persuasion and a deep understanding of the constitutional ideals that shaped our nation were on display,” said Commissioner Kamoutsas. “Under Governor DeSantis’ steadfast leadership, civics has become an essential component of every student’s education, and the Sunshine State Debate demonstrated Florida’s commitment to the values that formed our constitutional republic.”
Lillian Clay from North Florida College took first place, while Justice Robinson from Hillsborough College finished second. Winners received scholarships provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and the Florida Council of Resource Development. Additionally, the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Institute will send Clay to California for an all-expense paid trip to serve as a judge at the National Debate Championship.
The debate followed a format inspired by Ronald Reagan Presidential Debates, which emphasizes civility, personality, and storytelling in communication. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute supported logistics for the event, including virtual training for participants and an in-person orientation.
Support for this year’s competition came from several organizations: Florida College System Foundation, Florida Student Success Center, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Association of Florida Colleges, Fifth Third Bank, Lawson Huck Gonzalez PLLC, and Tallahassee State College.
The Florida Department of Education, based in Tallahassee at 325 West Gaines Street, oversees public education throughout Florida from early childhood through higher learning. The department works with parents, educators, and communities to advance student achievement across diverse groups. It provides academic resources, school choice options, professional training for educators and students as well as programs supporting reading proficiency and career development to promote economic self-sufficiency.
