Northeast News
August 3, 2016

When Alex Millard walked in to the Debate and Forensics room at Truman High School four years ago as a wide-eyed freshman, he had no idea he would culminate his high school speech career competing for a national debate championship and $40,000 in scholarship money at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. But that’s exactly what happened earlier this month when Millard and his Debate Coach Christine Adams of Historic Northeast traveled to the Reagan Library for the Reagan Great Communicator Debate series national tournament.

The Great Communicator debate series was launched in 2012, a presidential election year, as a way to promote civic engagement and informed, conscientious citizens through a series of high school debates held in six regions of the United States. The series became so popular after its second competition that the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and the Annenberg Presidential Learning Center made the decision to make the debates an annual event. Tony Pennay, Director of Education at the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute noted President Reagan’s skill as a debater.

“He loved the clash of ideas that made America so unique,” said Pennay. “In his Farewell Address, he challenged Americans to achieve an informed patriotism. I think our competitors in the Great Communicator Debates Nationals have answered his challenge.”

Millard, who will be a Freshman at Stanford University this fall, competed at the regional level at the Truman Library and Institute in April and won top honors for the Midwest region, allowing him the privilege to compete against 15 other regional finalists at the Reagan Library in July.

“Everything has just been first class,” said Millard. “It’s just been the most amazing experience. Everyone here at the Reagan Library has been fantastic to work with.”

Coach Christine Adams was equally proud of Millard.

“Alex is one of those rare students who is both naturally gifted and an extremely hard worker, making him a delight to coach,” said Adams. “He’s worked exceptionally hard throughout his high school debate career. What better way to go out!”

Millard finished 13th out of the 16 competitors, but actually beat the competitor who ended up becoming the national champion. For his efforts he netted $1,000 in scholarship funds. He plans to study political science at Stanford, then attend law school. His ultimate career goal is to become a judge.