DeSantis Honors Conservative Voice: Charlie Kirk's Name to Adorn New College of Florida Debate Prize

In Sarasota, Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis took the stage on Monday at New College of Florida to unveil a new speech and debate competition. The announcement included details of the awards and scholarships associated with the event.

The Governor was accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, Florida’s Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, and Richard Corcoran, the President of New College of Florida.

Notably, the competition’s top accolade will carry the name of Charlie Kirk, a political commentator who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident during a debate event at a university last month. The champion of this competition will be awarded a substantial $50,000 scholarship.

In addition to the grand prize, the runner-up will be rewarded with a $25,000 scholarship, while semifinalists and quarterfinalists will receive scholarships of $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.

DeSantis said the move aligns with his administration’s education policies promoting civics education.

“We have worked hard by to make Florida the national model for civics education,” DeSantis said. “The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative reflects our commitment to fostering students’ appreciation for America’s founding principles. The champion of the next FCDI state championship will take home the Charlie Kirk prize, renamed in honor of a young man who embodied the principles of patriotism, civil discourse, and open debate. The generous scholarship awards for the winner and other top competitors will be a great memorial to Kirk’s legacy.”

In addition to the debate prize, New College of Florida officials will also erect a statue of Kirk on campus.

DeSantis Honors Conservative Voice: Charlie Kirk’s Name to Adorn New College of Florida Debate Prize

Share and Follow