Clarkston High students participate in Harvard University debate competition
Three students from DeKalb County School District (DCSD) recently took their talents to one of the most prestigious institutes of learning for the purpose of representing metro Atlanta and displaying their skills in debate.
Clarkston High School seniors Jamillah Badji, Sa’Mya Ivy, and Evanne Casimir were three participants in the Harvard
Debate Council Diversity Project (HDCDP), a program headed by Harvard University designed to provide voice to students of color who aspire to become world leaders and social entrepreneurs.
The rigorous and interactive extracurricular program required Badji, Ivy, and Casimir to dedicate countless hours of preparation in critical thinking, research, and debate, while also attending lectures from a Harvard debate instructor. As a result, the Clarkston High trio participated in debate sessions at the Georgia State Capitol, Atlanta City Hall, metro law firms, courtrooms, and more.
The program culminated with a summer residency at Harvard University, where the three students had the opportunity to study in Cambridge, Mass., with other students from the Atlanta area. “The Great Debaters”, the name of the 25 student HDCDP team, have made local and national headlines since performing well and claiming first place at the competition.
Casimir called the experience “exciting and educational.” She hopes that people in metro Atlanta and beyond can appreciate what makes Clarkston special following her interaction with other students. She enjoyed working with students from other schools and school districts and learning what made them unique as well.
Read more at:http://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/students/diverse-debaters-of-dekalb/
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