Six Dallas ISD debaters received $18,000 in college scholarships by participating in the Fourth Annual Roland Parrish Scholarship Debate Tournament held at James Madison High School on May 18. Through a partnership with the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance, the Parrish Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $60,000 to Dallas ISD student debaters over the last four years.
Debate gives young scholars a platform to engage in civil discourse in a constructive and positive way, said Parrish, who is the CEO of Parrish Restaurants and owns 27 McDonald’s restaurants in the DFW area.
“Debating helps with truancy, academic advancement, confidence in public speaking, and critical thinking skills,” he said in a recent interview with NBC-Channel 5 News.
Each year, Parrish personally selects the topic. This year’s topic was: Social Studies curriculum cannot be taught without discussing controversial issues. Representing six different Dallas ISD high schools, debaters worked together in the weeks leading up to the debate, writing persuasive arguments using the World Schools debate format.
Held in front of a student audience in Madison High’s auditorium, the debate provided students the opportunity to showcase their persuasive skills before a panel of judges.
The students crafted arguments on both sides of a motion, discussing the merits of teaching controversial issues in the curriculum, said Cindi Timmons, executive director of the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance.
“Their balanced approach to the debate showed all in attendance that it is possible to have civil conversations over tough topics,” she said. “The Dallas Urban Debate Alliance couldn’t be prouder of the students’ work.”
Following the debate, Parrish presented a $3,000 check to each debater.
Participating Debaters:
- Michelle Aguilar, Senior, Wilmer Hutchins High School
- Emyah Cox, Junior, Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School
- Francesca Gilbard, Senior, High School for the Talented and Gifted
- Nyasha Griffin, Junior, Hillcrest High School
- Leroy Tamfu, Freshman, Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy
- Elliott Yervasi, Sophomore, Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet
