Debate Journey Leads Student to Statewide Victory
November 20, 2025
Dual Enrolled student Kostin Lewis earned top honors at EFSC’s Grand Debate and later represented the College at the statewide competition in St. Petersburg, where he also took home first-place!
Kostin described the EFSC Grand Debate as, “Competitive in every way it should have been,” praising both his fellow competitors and the supportive coaches who helped him prepare. “The event was stressful, but a lot of fun. Everyone was sharp and practiced very hard,” he shared. The achievement was especially meaningful to him because he had struggled in a debate assignment in high school. He said he entered the Grand Debate simply hoping to improve his performance, “I wanted to prove to myself that I could succeed in a debate, and thankfully I did.”
The statewide trip stood out as one of his favorite parts of the journey. Kostin said he enjoyed the bus ride, meeting new people, practicing with coaches in a private auditorium, and exploring the St. Petersburg campus. “The entire experience was so worth it,” he said, adding that he would encourage any student to participate regardless of experience level.
Kostin is completing his Associate in Arts degree through EFSC’s Dual Enrollment program and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science at a Florida university after graduation.
The annual Grand Debate event gives students an opportunity to build confidence and strengthen their communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills, helping them shine both in and out of the classroom.
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