EFSC Student Wins First Place in Statewide Grand Debate Competition

Eastern Florida State College student Andrew Hines earned first-place honors at the 2026 Grand Debate, a statewide collegiate competition that brings together top student debaters from colleges across Florida.

Held Nov. 5 at the St. Petersburg College Seminole Campus Digitorium in St. Petersburg, the annual event is presented by the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions (ISPS) and challenges students to research, defend and debate timely public policy issues.

The Grand Debate serves as a competitive forum for students to examine and discuss significant issues affecting society while promoting civic engagement and friendly competition among Florida's colleges. Past debate topics have included minimum wage, immigration, free college tuition and athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

This year's debate topic asked whether the United States should implement a federal wealth tax on individuals with a net worth exceeding $50 million. Hines was randomly assigned to argue the affirmative position.

Five colleges participated in the competition: Eastern Florida State College, St. Petersburg College, Hillsborough Community College, Palm Beach State College and Daytona State College. Two students from each institution qualified for the event by placing among the top finishers in their respective campus competitions.

Representing EFSC were Hines and fellow student Isabella Fox, who advanced to the statewide competition after earning top honors in the College's preliminary Grand Debate held Oct. 13.

"Andrew's First Place finish in the state’s Grand Debate reflects the critical thinking, preparation and communication skills that are essential to success both in college and beyond," said Dr. Jim Richey, President of EFSC. "We are proud of Andrew and Isabella for representing EFSC with excellence and we are grateful to our faculty mentors who help our students develop the confidence and skills they need to compete at the highest levels."

Faculty coaches Josh Humphries and Christie McBride accompanied the students to the competition.

For more information about the Grand Debate, visit the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions website. For more information about EFSC visit easternflorida.edu or call (321) 632-1111.

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