By Thomas Hair
Opinions Editor

Over the years, Coppell High School Debate has built up a reputation as one of the top debate groups in the entire state under Coach Glenda Ferguson. Members of the Debate Team represented Coppell well at a series of economic debates for high school students hosted by the George Bush Institute on Saturday.

The event spanned most of Saturday and Sunday at Westin Park Central Hotel in Dallas. It was a busy day with over a hundred competitors from around the country. Seniors Nick Moolenijzer and Amir Javeri both placed in the top 10 at this prestigious debate competition. As a reward, both received $500 scholarships and $1000 for Coppell’s debate program. 15-year-old Ayush Midha from San Jose, Calif. won the first place title and a $2000 scholarships.

Moolenijzer, Javeri and other participants in the competition had the opportunity to meet former President George Bush and his wife and debate in front of distinguished judges such as Harriet Miers and Roberto Salinas-León. The economic debates were part of George Bush Institute’s education reform initiative and were organized in hopes of getting more American youth to understand the importance of economic growth and freedom.