Commissioner of Education Announces Winners of the Inaugural Sunshine State Debate in Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial
February 18, 2026
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Commissioner of Education Announces Winners of the Inaugural Sunshine State Debate in Celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas with first place winner Lillian Clay of North Florida College and second place winner Justice Robinson of Hillsborough College at the Sunshine State Debate Finals
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas joins 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year Mark Harrison and sponsor representatives in recognizing the Sunshine State Debate finalists and semifinalists.
Tallahassee, Fla., February 18, 2026 – In recognition of America’s upcoming semiquincentennial, Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas announced the winners of the inaugural Florida College System Sunshine State Debate. This new debate competition showcased the skills of nearly 100 students from Florida College System institutions and focused on the 250th anniversary of our nation’s Founders signing 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 of Education Anastasios 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.”
Competition Winners:
- First Place, $1,500 Scholarship Awarded to: Lillian Clay, North Florida College
- Second Place, $1,000 Scholarship Awarded to: Justice Robinson, Hillsborough College
- Semifinalists, $750 Scholarship Awarded to:
- Makenna Bradley, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
- Andrea Manjaka, Hillsborough College
Competition winners received scholarship awards provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and the Florida Council of Resource Development. In addition, the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Institute will provide the first-place winner with an all-expense paid trip to the National Debate Championship in California to serve as a judge.
The Sunshine State Debate featured the Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate style, which is known for its emphasis on incorporating the communication skills of civility, personality and storytelling. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute provided key logistical support for the competition, virtual training for students and coaches, and an in-person orientation.
This year’s debate competition was made possible through the generous support of the Florida College System Foundation, the Florida Student Success Center, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, the Association of Florida Colleges, Fifth Third Bank, Lawson Huck Gonzalez, PLLC, and Tallahassee State College.
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