Eloquence Academy Welcomes New Ohio Partner School

Nov 26

Eloquence Academy extends a formal welcome to Jackson High School!

Located in Massillon, Ohio, within the Jackson Local School District, Jackson High School is a public school serving 1,900 students in grades 9 through 12.The school maintains a high level of academic performance with a 97% graduation rate, and a strong portion of students meet or exceed proficiency in math, reading, and science relative to state averages.Beyond academics, Jackson offers Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive curriculum including foreign languages, arts, business and technology electives.The school also benefits from a dedicated teaching staff, many with advanced degrees, and a community that supports strong student outcomes and school pride.

The Jackson speech and debate club has a longstanding tradition of excellence. Led by coach Benjamin McGugin, the team consists of a core group of 45 students attending scrimmages sanctioned by the Ohio Speech & Debate Association and occasional national circuit tournaments. Jackson competes in nearly all debate events, but concentrates in Lincoln Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, and Worlds Schools Debate.

Our Debate-Inspired Classrooms program supports the funding or logistical needs of K-12, public, independent, magnet, charter, boarding, and homeschools in developing their own debate programs. Jackson will receive copies of our flagship curriculum to integrate into their afterschool club and Humanities classrooms. Speech Competition Coordinator and former Cleveland Regional Director Shakthi Prabhkaran, who happens to be a graduate of Jackson, will help manage the partnership alongside Benjamin, bringing her firsthand experience, insight, and love for the school. Our goal is to expand the scope of the team by 50%, both in terms of student participation and the competition schedule for the next school year.

We areespecially excited to partner with Jackson as our first partner school in Ohio.

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Eloquence Academy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and 509(a)(2) public charity dedicated to increasing equitable academic debate opportunities for rural and historically underserved students. The Academy offers debate classes, summer camps, workshops, tournaments, in-school programs, and online resources for 2,200+ students across 35 states and 15 countries. Ultimately, Eloquence Academy aims to prepare youth for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact through the transferable skills gained from debate. Follow Eloquence Academy on Instagram and YouT ube at @eloquenceacademy.