Fort Walton Beach senior sets new record at Incubate Debate finals in Sarasota
Okaloosa County, Florida – William Kiker, a senior at Fort Walton Beach High School, has pulled off something no other student has managed in the history of the Incubate Debate National Championship—he’s now a two-time champion. Kiker, who is set to graduate in 2025, took home his second national title after a heated contest at this year’s Incubate Debate finals in Sarasota, Florida.
This wasn’t just any ordinary tournament. The event drew top young debaters from 10 states, with students traveling from as far away as California, Washington, Georgia, and South Carolina. The championship spotlighted pressing issues, challenging participants to spar over topics like U.S. immigration policy, NATO’s role in world affairs, and how the federal government could be made more efficient.
For Kiker, the final rounds centered around debates on the future of the Department of Education and discussions about government efficiency—topics that demanded not just quick thinking, but a depth of understanding and poise under pressure.
James Fishback, who founded Incubate Debate, had high praise for Kiker’s achievement.
“Winning Nationals once is hard. William Kiker has just done it twice—the first time in Incubate history. He’s a brilliant young man with an incredible future ahead of him,” Fishback said in a release, underscoring the rarity and difficulty of such an accomplishment.
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The recognition didn’t stop there. Okaloosa County Superintendent Marcus Chambers applauded Kiker’s leadership and work ethic, describing him as an inspiration for his peers.
“William’s dedication to debate and his commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. His ability to think critically, articulate his ideas, and compete at the highest level sets an incredible example for students across our district. We are beyond proud of his accomplishments and look forward to seeing all that he achieves in the future,” Chambers said.
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Incubate Debate’s annual championship is more than just a contest—it’s a crucible for future leaders, built to foster sharp thinking and strong voices. Kiker’s historic back-to-back wins are a testament not only to his personal resolve but also to the power of public debate in shaping young minds.
