Year-long debate club in Knoxville, Tennessee

c/o Eloquence Academy

During the 2024-25 school year, Eloquence Academy hosted an afterschool club called “Virtual Communication & Debate” for 30 middle and high school students at the Tennessee 4-H Youth Development Institute!

Founded in 1902, 4-H is a network of youth organizations nationwide whose mission is to help youth reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development. Guided by a slogan of “learn by doing,” 4-H hosts monthly afterschool clubs rooted in experiential learning. Over the course of eight sessions, the clubs support students’ physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs, covering topics from vet science to conservation. Specifically, the Tennessee 4-H Youth Development Institute is a collaborative initiative between Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee - Knoxville, and the National Institute of Food & Agriculture at the United States Department of Agriculture. 

In our afterschool club, students studied the fundamentals of speech and debate. Working with Chief Executive Officer Spencer Chaisanguanthum and Director of the Charitable Fund Kira Waldhalm, students learned about Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle, the importance of rhetoric, and the claim-warrant-impact structure of debate arguments. In the eighth week, students engaged in an intramural debate tournament with one another, putting their newfound skills to the test on the topic of whether the United States government should substantially invest in high-speed rail. It was an exciting opportunity to see their growth in confidence and eloquence.

We are grateful to the 4-H team and Partnerships Program Coordinators Mitch Beaty, Lori Gallimore, and Lynne Middleton and are proud of what their students accomplished. To get involved in one of our regional chapters, visit the link in our bio.

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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, EA aims to prepare youth for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact through the transferable skills gained from debate.