Barkley Forum for Debate, Deliberation, and Dialogue

Emory had an amazing and historic performance at the NDT last weekend. We had three reach the octafinals, a huge accomplishment. Aaron and Jared (Emory KS) were the seventh seed! They were defeated by Michigan while Lucas and Cora (Emory LY) unfortunately met Emory GS in a walkover. We are so proud of our graduating seniors for their performance, and special love to Emory LY! Daniel and Ike received the Copeland Award, won the tournament, and Daniel received the Top Speaker Award. Only 3 other schools in the NDT’s 80 years have pulled off this triumvirate (Dartmouth in 1984, Baylor in 1987, and Northwestern in 1999). On top of all that, Daniel and Ike were the top seed from the preliminary rounds, losing only 1 ballot. They ended the tournament dropping only 3 ballots total. Lots of love and support from the entire BF family, from the students who joined to assist the effort, to the BF staff supporting us the whole way, to the legions of alumni cheering us on.

Tonight, Daniel and Ike won the 80th National Debate Tournament, hosted by the University of Houston. This marks Emory’s 4th time achieving this National championship, with previous victories in 1996, 2000, and 2007.

Daniel and Ike were awarded the Rex Copeland Memorial Award tonight at the pre-tournament awards ceremony for the 80th National Debate Tournament. The Copeland, established in 1990, is presented annually to the highest-ranked collegiate debate partnership in the First Round, At-Large team selections. This is Emory’s fifth time winning the award. We are so proud of them!!

Consider a gift of any size today through 6 pm tomorrow to support debate and dialogue at Emory! Thank you!! https://donate.emory.edu/schools/EmoryUniversity/emory-day-of-giving-2026/pages/campuslife/barkley/?a=12689315

It’s a game we call Debate-a-Gabe, where students (Danny and Ike, in this case) debate coaches (Viveth and Gabriel).  Without actually hearing any of the evidence, drop a comment with who you think won!

Emory had a great showing at the Texas tournament last weekend, with Emory GS winning the tournament! Of the 11 teams in attendance, four advanced to the elimination rounds. Emory AS (Sachin and Johnny) finished in the top 32, and Emory LY (Lucas and Cora) and Emory KS (Aaron and Jared) in the top 16. Emory RY (Serena and Jack) walked over Emory KS and finished in the top 8. Daniel was the 5th speaker, Serena was 9th, Ike was 10th, and Jack was 13th. Go Eagles!

Thank you to all who joined us for the 71st Barkley Forum for High Schools! We are pleased to welcome these schools into membership, including the first international school to earn a membership chair. Hope to see you in person next year!

Alden is a member of Nansemond Nation’s Youth Council, where she has advocated before the Virginia state legislature for initiatives to close the equity gap that affects Native youth.  Congratulations to Alden and all the other nominees for the great work they are doing in their communities!

Congratulations to Georgia Speaker of the Year Sally Sierer Bethea, former Chattahoochee River Keeper and environmental activist!

We are pleased to announce the renaming of the First Tutorial in Lincoln Douglas Debate as the Aaron W. Timmons Tutorial in Lincoln Douglas Debate in recognition of Aaron Timmons’ many contributions to high school speech and debate. Congratulations!