<div>Hello everyone, and thank you for taking a moment to hear an important story.

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<div>I am the father of a student debater who attends public high school located in Miami-Dade County. I am  proud to share that, for the second year in a row, her Speech and Debate team has qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament, taking place this summer in Des Moines, Iowa.

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<div>After the incredible experience she had last year, she is thrilled to return to the national stage. This year, there is a new group of talented and passionate students, many of whom will be attending Nationals for the first time. For these students, debate is more than just competition. It’s a second home, a space for self-expression, and a lifeline in difficult times. Don’t just take it from me—here are a few words directly from members of the team:

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<div>“Debate club is one of the best things to have happened to me. It would be an honour to go to nationals this summer, but unfortunately many students including myself may not get the chance to because of the costs. I would feel extremely sad if our team couldn’t go just because of financial difficulties despite all of the hard work we accomplished in order to qualify for nationals in the first place. For some people, debate is more than just an extracurricular to put on their college applications, it’s a second home—if not first. I don’t want this home with my team to have their opportunities taken away.” – C.H.

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<div>“I'm already in a tough spot as it is, affording nationals isn't something I can even dream of doing. Right now, I'm moving to somewhere with cheaper rent and even then we can barely afford to pay off our bills. My mother — the only provider — was forced to ask for her salary early and getting further in debt with relatives to get by the rest of the month. There's a good likelihood I'll barely have enough to eat and days without power or water, so nationals realistically is the least of my concerns despite my immense interest to go. Even if it drastically decreases my team's chances, I have to save what I can and get by how I can.” – J.T.

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<div>“I am honored to be given the opportunity to attend Nationals again, especially as a senior who knows that this will be their last tournament (at least as a competitor). However, I recognize that the cost of this tournament is too much for many of my team members and underclassmen. Right now, I am still having a tough time convincing my mother to let me attend the tournament as is because she wants me to spend my last high school summer with her, and the high price tag definitely doesn't help move her to my side. So, I sincerely ask you to help me, and my team, drive down the costs of this tournament.” – S.B.

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<div>“Growing up in a middle-class household a lot of the time many financial obligations overrode opportunities to further my educational ambitions and participate in activities that I genuinely enjoy like Debate. Since last year when a part of my home was destroyed by a drunk driver, much of my parents’ hard working income has been diverted towards this dire situation on top of trying to provide a roof over our head. Being able to afford Nationals at a discounted price will not just be a blessing but truly an opportunity I would never regret.” – J.B.

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<div>As powerful as these voices are, they are once again facing a major obstacle: the cost of attending Nationals.

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<div>With over 60% of the students qualifying for free and reduced lunch, the financial burden of travel, lodging, and tournament fees is significant. Thanks to your generosity last year, and other sources of funding, the entire team was able to attend Nationals without cost—and it made all the difference.

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<div>So far this year, they have managed to cover about half the cost through fundraising, but the remaining $700+ per student still stands in the way of many team members being able to go.

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<div>That’s why I have created this GoFundMe.

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<div>Your donation, no matter the amount, directly supports students who have worked relentlessly to earn this opportunity. And even if you can't contribute financially, sharing this link with your friends and family would be an enormous help.

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<div>Every dollar brings them closer to Iowa.

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<div> Every act of support empowers a student voice.

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<div> And every kind gesture helps turn dreams into reality.

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<div>With gratitude,

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<div>A father who wishes to support his daughter and her team

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Tal Lipkin

John Reffner

Lisa Kauffman

Gerardo Vildostegui, Class of '92

Jorge Di cataldo

Alexandra Grace Lampner

Anonymous

Mia Vassilev

Shevlin Family

Adrian Walker

Violet Lagari

Jason Radick MD

Belen Mella

Francesca Medeiros

Russell Rywell

Adriana Caraballo

Vanessa Levy

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Support Miami-Dade Debate Team's Journey to Nationals

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