Suncoast Student Earns National Debate Championships

Suncoast High School in Riviera Beach is celebrating a significant milestone as Akram Younis captured two distinct national debate titles, marking an unprecedented achievement for the school.

Akram, a rising senior who serves as the co-president of the Suncoast Debate team, solidified his place among the nation’s elite speakers by winning top honors at both the National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Grand National Tournament and the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament. It is the first time in Suncoast history that a single debater has claimed both titles in the same year.

Congressional Debate simulates the real-world legislative process of the U.S. Congress. Competitors must research complex sociopolitical issues, draft mock legislation, and deliver persuasive speeches either advocating for or opposing bills.

Akram’s championship run began in Washington, D.C. at the NCFL National Tournament. Competing against 190 of the best debaters from across the country, Akram navigated four intense, three-hour sessions of rigorous debate. To secure a ticket to the nation’s capital, he had to finish among the top six debaters in the local Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League debate league, and he ultimately was the first-place qualifier.

Following his victory at the NCFL tournament, Akram scored another gold-medal performance at the NSDA National Tournament in Richmond, Virginia, winning the National Championship in Congressional Debate – Senate. For his achievements, Akram was formally recognized by the Palm Beach County School Board at the July 15 regular board meeting.

The historic victories didn't just spotlight Akram's individual talent; they also elevated the entire Suncoast program. Thanks to Akram’s first-place finishes and the cumulative points built by the team over the last three years, Suncoast High was awarded the prestigious Dr. Paul E. Ward Memorial Award of Excellence in Congress Sweepstakes Award.

With these twin national titles, Akram and the Suncoast Debate team have firmly put the School District of Palm Beach County on the map as a powerhouse for speech and debate education.