On May 18, 2017, Coleman Talley presented a $1000 sponsorship check to members of the Valdosta High School Debate Team. Twelve debate team members are making the trip to Birmingham, Alabama, for the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament from June 18-24. Valdosta High School is one of 22 schools representing the state of Georgia in the National Tournament, which is the largest academic competition in the world with competitors from every state and several countries.
Coleman Talley is proud to sponsor and encourage participation in debate teams, which teach students civil discourse, critical thinking, speaking, and listening skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. The firm’s donation will be used for entry fees, judging fees, script purchases, and meals for the students. “Most debate tournaments in Georgia are held in Atlanta, so just competing during the regular season is an expensive venture for our students and their families. The donation from Coleman Talley relieves some of that burden and allows all of our students to compete on the national stage without regard to their family’s financial status,” says Debate Coach, Pam Childress.