Centennial Students Chosen For Harvard Debate Council

JOHNS CREEK, GA — Two Centennial High School students were recently selected for the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, which is an Atlanta-based subsidiary of Harvard College. Divali Legore and Sophia Woodrow are among more than 250 students from the Atlanta area who participated in a lengthy application process from which only 26 students were selected.

The students will be part of the HDCDP Class of 2019, which is the second cohort of students to participate. Following a 10-month commitment to the program locally, the students will travel to the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to attend the Harvard Debate Council’s Summer Residency.

While at Harvard, they will engage in a rigorous academic regimen along with nearly 400 hundred students from around the world. The experience culminates in a single elimination debate tournament at which last year’s Atlanta based students, the first cohort in the program, were victorious.

“To have not one, but two Centennial students accepted into this highly competitive program is a testament to the hard work that these students have put in, and the amazing level of teaching that goes on here at Centennial," said Principal Anthony Newbold. "We are excited to see how these young ladies develop as the program progresses.”

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Centennial High School offers one of the most unique and engaging learning experiences in the area through its state-of-the-art Learning Commons, innovative Makerspace and emphasis on international relations. Its passionate and highly-skilled educators are dedicated to preparing each student in its uniquely diverse population for individual success.

The school’s inclusive culture and highly engaged community set it apart, providing the right environment for students to excel in academics, athletics, the arts and more. Centennial High School, which pulls students from Roswell and Johns Creek, is the only International Baccalaureate World school in northeast Fulton County.

Photo: Centennial High School Juniors Sophia Woodrow and Divali Legore pose after learning that they were both accepted into the acclaimed Atlanta-based Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project.