Eloquence Academy Welcomes New Tennessee Partner School
c/o Happy Valley High School
Eloquence Academy extends a formal welcome to Happy Valley High School!
Located in Elizabethton, Tennessee, within the Carter County School District, Happy Valley High School is a public school serving 450 students in grades 9 through 12. The school predominantly draws students from rural, Appalachian regions of northeastern Tennessee. Students face longer commute times and heightened costs of travelling and attending events in urban areas. Despite its small size, Happy Valley offers Advanced Placement courses and dual-enrollment opportunities, a variety of extracurricular activities, and a strong tradition of athletic participation. The school's close-knit environment and community-centered culture contribute to a graduation rate that exceeds 90%, providing students with both academic and personal support in a rural, often isolating setting.
c/o Matt Wilson
Four years ago, coach Matt Wilson started the speech and debate club at Happy Valley. Matt’s daughter competed in the activity at a different high school, which allowed him to witness the transformative effect it had on her life. In Matt’s words, “she went from a shy quiet kid in Appalachia to a student at Ohio State University with theater and academic scholarships.” Inspired by her experience, Matt believes wholeheartedly in the benefits of debate, describing it as a “paradigm shifter in the lives of students.” He has grown the team to over 30 students competing in 16 events, and intends to introduce a middle school counterpart.
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. Happy Valley received a microgrant. Additionally, Matt’s students will participate in an intensive public speaking summer camp—with curriculum and coachings provided by Eloquence Academy.
We are especially excited to partner with Happy Valley as our first partner school in Tennessee.
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Eloquence Academy, Inc. is the world’s largest youth-led 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 has offered live debate programs for 3,600 students, partnerships with 122 schools and nonprofit organizations, and online debate resources for 16,084 students. EA has prepared students across 50 states and 102 countries for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact. Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
