Written by Michelle Read, Student Activities Department
Six Dallas ISD high school students competed at Skyline High School in the 2026 Roland G. Parrish Scholarship Debate. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, each participant showcased public speaking skills and critical thinking, earning a $3,000 scholarship for their achievements.
Made possible by the Roland G. Parrish Charitable Foundation and held in association with the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance, the annual event has been a cornerstone of the Dallas ISD community for eight years.
This year’s intense debate tackled a timely civic issue with the topic: This House would ban private money in political campaigns.
The proposition side, composed of scholarship recipients Ragia B. from Hillcrest High School, Giovanni A. from New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell, and Thomas B. from Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet argued private money has corrupted democracy into a pay-to-play system.
The opposition team, featuring scholarship recipients Javier V. from Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith, Sarai J. from North Dallas High School, and Blair C. from Woodrow Wilson High School, countered by defending the importance of political donations, though they admitted the current system has flaws.
Ultimately, the judges ruled in favor of the proposition team, praising their case.
With well over $100,000 in scholarships awarded since its inception, the debate continues to highlight the foundation’s commitment to fostering civic engagement, leadership, and analytical excellence in the next generation of leaders.
Aside from winning scholarship money, the lesson is that debate is changing the lives of students in Dallas ISD academically and personally.
“It is an innovative force multiplier for academic success, communication, and, most importantly, timely civil discourse,” said Cindi Thomas, executive director of DUDA.
