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Spotlight

Introducing Mightier

The good-faith exchange of ideas is at the core of Newsweek's mission, so we are committing to cover high school debate closely—to support the next generation of great thinkers, who could very well shape our national conversation in the decades to come.

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Mentors

Denver Teacher Says Debate is About Having 'Compassion for What Your Opponent' Says

Debate coach Josh Hirsch told Newsweek, 'It's so important that somebody who's adamantly pro-choice can at least understand why somebody would be pro-life.'

“Debate coach Josh Hirsch told Newsweek, 'It's so important that somebody who's adamantly pro-choice can at least understand why somebody would be pro-life.'”

Debate Coach of the Year, Who Was Told He 'Wasted Education,' Has Life Transformed by Students

A student debater changed Dallas teacher Kris Wright's career by telling him that he wasn't exposed to 'things that are going to challenge your worldview.'

“A student debater changed Dallas teacher Kris Wright's career by telling him that he wasn't exposed to 'things that are going to challenge your worldview.'”

Silicon Valley Debate League Director Says Students Give Him 'Hope for the Future'

Despite Silicon Valley's affluent reputation, Rolland Janairo says that 'there are thousands of kids…who don't necessarily have access to that wealth.'

“Despite Silicon Valley's affluent reputation, Rolland Janairo says that 'there are thousands of kids…who don't necessarily have access to that wealth.'”

Port of Los Angeles Debaters Win School's First Title in Championship Final

The National Association for Urban Debate Leagues Championship Tournament ended with a winning team that says it has "a lot more goals to get through."

St. Paul Central High School Debaters Celebrate Unexpected Tournament Run

The Urban Debate National Championship runners-up focused on their partnership, saying, "We are a team and when we go down, we go down together."

D.C. High School Debater Turns Pandemic Burnout Into Mental Heath Advocacy

Noemie Durand admits she has had "some stage fright and, I'm not gonna lie, I still have it, but debate has helped me get over that fear to a certain extent."

Texas High Schooler Wins First Speaker Award at Global Debate Contest

Sanika Agarwalla said debate not only taught her how to speak but also "how to listen and how to be open to altering my perspectives."

D.C. Charter School Student Credits Debate With Getting Her Into Harvard

The Washington Urban Debate League programing and development director says Liv Birnstad isn't "the hardest-working person…she is the smartest-working person."

Silicon Valley High Schooler Nearly Moves Debate Judge to Tears: 'This Is Why We Do What We Do'

The judge said high school senior Erick Zaragoza "doesn't really care that he got the win" and instead focused on helping his opponents do better next time.

International Policy Debaters to Face Expert Panel for $10,000 Tournament Prize

The 2023 International Public Policy Forum Finals, featuring teams from the U.S., Canada and Singapore, kick off this weekend in New York City.

High School Debaters Tackle Divisive Issues in Showcase at Newsweek Office

Eight students from across the country recently traveled to Newsweek's New York City headquarters to debate immigration, AI, affirmative action and more.

High School Debate and America's Toxic National Discourse

With a live, in-office debate, eight high school students with the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues proved that respectful discourse is possible.

Urban Debate Tournament Ends With Historic Final Round, Scholarship Money

An L.A. high school won the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues Championship Tournament in a victory that one student said was "a surreal experience."

Debate Championship Delays Final Match as Students Face Canceled Flights

After years of pandemic-disrupted debate tournaments, the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues championship still cannot be held entirely in person.