School

Crestview High speech and debate team brings home wins from state qualifier

Three Crestview High students advanced to final rounds at a Florida Civics and Debate Initiative state qualifier in Gainesville, with two claiming first place.

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

Crestview High School’s speech and debate team returned from Gainesville with hardware after competing at the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative Statewide Qualifier over the weekend.

The two-day tournament, held Dec. 6-7 at Santa Fe College, drew middle school and high school competitors from across Florida. Students competed in five preliminary rounds before advancing to elimination rounds.

Six Bulldogs made the trip, touring the University of Florida and Santa Fe College campuses before competing. Three students advanced to the final rounds on Sunday.

Asher Guillory placed third in Varsity Extemporaneous Speaking, while Zachary Sharp and Kameron Williams took first place in Varsity Public Forum Debate. The Public Forum topic for the tournament was whether the United States should prioritize hard power over soft power in foreign affairs.

The first-place finish in Public Forum was a new debate division for Williams, who has now qualified for state competition in two divisions.

NOTE: Kameron is my nephew and I could not be more proud of him!

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Sports

‘A great offseason’: Crestview football builds on playoff return with veteran roster

Sports

Crestview baseball hires Cory McSween as new head coach

Sports

Taylor Haugen Foundation outfits Crestview football with rib protection shirts

Sports

The best of 2025-26: A look back at the top 15 Okaloosa & Walton sports highlights

W Taylor commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“A VAT. What a concept. Then you're only taxed if you spend money. What a great idea!”

Respond

Amanda Talley commented on Bridgeway Center breaks ground on 72-unit affordable housing project in Fort Walton Beach

“I’m so sorry the system is failing the ones who need it most. Contact your local senator asap and tell them your situation and all the places you’ve contacted. Also...”

Catherine commented on Okaloosa School Board breaks down how school district millage rates are set

“In 7 years, the assessed value of my own home has nearly doubled. They are making more money even if mil rate stays same or decreases .05 as it is...”

Kirk commented on Okaloosa School Board breaks down how school district millage rates are set

“What about their own healthcare center that is being paid for by tax dollars? The new one beside Okaloosa Tech center off Lewis Turner Blvd.”

Nacny commented on Scenic Walton celebrates progress on underground utilities, gateway projects across county

“I would love to see all the power and other lines off Scenic Gulf Drive! They are so ugly and intrusive to the view of sunsets, the beach, etc. but...”

Dianna Gohl commented on Bridgeway Center breaks ground on 72-unit affordable housing project in Fort Walton Beach

“I am 75 and the past 5 years I broke many bones and rebroke some due to a couple medical issues. But I healed and went back to work part...”

Wesley Yates commented on Choctaw football ready to build on historic Final Four run, embraces high expectations

“Go big green!!!”

Randi commented on $3.1 million renovation project to close west side of Liza Jackson Park in August, including boat launch

“This is ridiculous that they can not wait until AFTER Labor Day! This place and Cinco ramp is the only place in Fort Walton people can go (Cinco was a...”

Steve Saunders commented on Okaloosa County proposes $769 million budget for fiscal year 2027 with no millage increase

“Excellent narrative of our taxes and process!”

filftwalton commented on $3.1 million renovation project to close west side of Liza Jackson Park in August, including boat launch

“Who ever planned for the timing of this project should be fired. Its high season for boating - duh.”