Libby Hancock Advances to the National Championship After Winning the Utah Regional Competition of the Ronald Reagan Debate Series

Libby Hancock Advances to the National Championship After Winning the Utah Regional Competition of the Ronald Reagan Debate Series  

(Simi Valley, CA) The Reagan Foundation proudly announces Libby Hancock, a senior at Salem Hills High School, as the winner of the Utah Regional Competition of the Ronald Reagan Debate Series, which was hosted on Saturday, April 26 at the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. This fiercely contested event showcased the incredible talent and determination of local high school students who demonstrated exceptional skill in persuasive public speaking and respectful discourse. The top 4 regional winners won a $5,000 scholarship to any Utah higher education school of their choice, courtesy of Geoffrey Landward, Commissioner of Higher Education for the Utah System of Higher Education.

Hancock’s performance during the competition earned her a coveted spot at the National Championship, to be held this July at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California. She has also been awarded an all-expenses paid trip to the National Championship for themselves and a chaperone, as well as the opportunity to compete for a share of $50,000 in scholarship money.

“I do speech and debate through my high school, so I had expectations heading into the competition,” remarked Hancock. “However, this was completely different from my previous debate experience! Everyone was so kind. The Reagan Education Foundation representatives were incredibly supportive! My judges, and even my competitors, were so curious to hear what I had to say. This wasn’t a hostile style of debate; it was communicative and productive! I ended up thoroughly enjoying my experience.”

The Ronald Reagan Debate Series is designed to foster respectful dialogue, critical thinking, and effective communication among high school students. Hancock exemplified these values during the regional competition, skillfully engaging with complex topics and presenting arguments with clarity and poise.

Dr. Richard Schroeder, Chief Education Programming Officer, stated, “Libby’s outstanding performance exemplifies the values upheld by President Reagan, highlighting the importance of civil dialogue and fostering unity through shared understanding. We are honored to have her represent Utah at the National Championship this summer and extend our best wishes for her continued success.”

The Reagan Foundation congratulates Hancock and all participants for their remarkable efforts. For more information about the Ronald Reagan Debate Series, including upcoming events and resources for students, please visit www.reaganfoundation.org/debate.

About the Ronald Reagan Debate Series
The Ronald Reagan Debate Series is an initiative by the Reagan Foundation to inspire the next generation of leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and cultivate the skills necessary to solve the challenges of tomorrow. Through its competitions, the program emphasizes the values of respectful discourse, pragmatism, and thoughtful communication embodied by President Reagan.

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About the Reagan Foundation and Institute 
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride. 

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives.  In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions. 

An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew as Air Force One to 26 countries.  Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Center.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.

Media Contact: Melissa Giller
(805) 522-2977