January 28, 2026
Citrus Students Compete at National Civics and Debate Championship
Student Writer: Delaney Laurence
Citrus High School Speech and Debate students recently represented their school at the National Civics and Debate Championship (NCDC), also known as The Great Debate, a prestigious four-day tournament held last weekend in Orlando, Florida.
The national competition brought together more than 600 students from 140 schools across 15 states. Citrus High School was represented by freshman Louis Alarcon and junior Gianna Marsh, who competed against experienced debaters from across the nation.
Unlike most tournaments, where competitors typically compete in one event, NCDC challenged students to compete in three different categories: Impromptu Speaking, Legislative Debate, and Extemporaneous Debate. Throughout the tournament, both students completed a total of eight rounds of competition, gaining valuable experience across multiple formats.
Gianna Marsh reflected on the opportunity, saying, NCDC taught me valuable skills in new categories I have never competed in. It was an experience I will never forget.” Louis also shared his perspective, noting, “I will forever appreciate that NCDC gave me the opportunity to compete against varsity-level students, providing me with valuable insight and experience on areas which I can improve and grow.”
Citrus Speech and Debate is a new program that began in mid August of this school year. While all students typically compete at the novice level during their first year, Gianna and Louis took on the challenge of competing at the varsity level.
Gianna earned national rankings of 85th in Impromptu, which is a great accomplishment. Their participation at NCDC marks an impressive milestone for the young Citrus Speech and Debate program and highlights the dedication, courage, and growth of its student competitors as they continue to build towards their future success.
Building Advocates – Quest of the Law in Citrus County
In the United States, the minimum voting age is 18. However, the minimum age to serve as a Florida state representative or senator is 21, while the minimum age to serve in the U.S. Congress is 25 for representatives and 30 for senators. While these age requirements may seem distant to many young people, students involved in the Youth in Government (YIG) program are already developing the skills necessary to participate in the democratic process.
Sponsored by the YMCA, Youth in Government allows high school students, known as delegates, to take part in a model government experience that mirrors Florida’s legislative and judicial systems. Each year, delegates participate in the State Assembly in Tallahassee, where they debate mock legislation, argue cases in simulated courts, and engage in the same processes used by real lawmakers and judges.
In preparation for the 69th Annual State Assembly, delegates from the Suncoast Delegation (Citrus County) and the West Central Coast Delegation (Lakeland and Polk County) gathered at the College of Central Florida’s Lecanto campus for an event known as Quest of the Law. During the event, students debated proposed bills in simulated legislative committees and wrote legal briefs for both sides of mock District and Supreme Court cases, citing precedent from real court rulings before presenting arguments to student justices.
What sets Quest of the Law and Florida Youth in Government as a whole apart is that students not only participate in the process but also help organize and lead it, with guidance from adult sponsors. Isabella Magalhães, Co-President of the Lecanto High School Youth in Government chapter, organized Quest of the Law as part of her International Baccalaureate CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) Project.
“This event was held to inspire many young advocates to empower their voice through the practice of debate, presentation, and writing skills,” Magalhães said. The event took place on Saturday, January 17, and brought together students passionate about law, government, and civic responsibility.
One of the highlights for Magalhães was a mock appellate court led by Attorney Keith Taylor and Citrus County Judge Edward Spaight, who worked directly with judicial delegates.
“Their guidance motivated many young students to participate and empower their voices to support their arguments,” Magalhães reflected. She hopes to pursue a career as an international attorney.
Also in attendance was Addison Otten, a Lecanto High School student who serves as the Lieutenant Governor of Florida Youth in Government. Otten worked closely with legislative delegates, offering guidance on bill development, research strategies, and committee procedures.
“This event gave delegates a confidence boost for State Assembly,” Otten said. “They have to research their ideas and present them, ultimately preparing them for a higher-quality performance in Tallahassee.” Otten plans to major in political science after graduating from high school.
Beyond simulation, Quest of the Law provides students with a deeper understanding of how government operates and the importance of considering multiple perspectives. This lesson is especially relevant, as youth civic engagement remains lower than in older age groups, particularly in voter turnout among individuals ages 18–24.
Florida Youth in Government emphasizes advocacy, respect, and responsible participation in civic life, values that both Magalhães and Otten believe are essential for young people.
“It is important for young people to remember that their voice has power when used responsibly,” Magalhães said. “It can create change, no matter the size. It is the impact that matters.”
“I hope delegates learn that they have a voice in their communities and use the tools they’ve gained through Youth in Government in their localities,” Otten added.
Through programs like Youth in Government and events such as Quest of the Law, Lecanto High School students are proving that leadership and civic responsibility are not defined by age—but by preparation, passion, and purpose.
A mock court session in Quest of the Law with Attorney Keith Taylor and Citrus County Judge Edward Spaight (Photo Courtesy: Isabella Magalhães)
Members of the Florida YMCA Youth in Government Suncoast Delegation from Lecanto High School hosted Quest of the Law (Photo Courtesy: Isabella Magalhães)