Woodstock Student Selected For 2019 Harvard Debate Council

WOODSTOCK, GA — A Woodstock High School student has been selected for a Harvard University high school debate program. Laney Broussard, a junior at the school, is one of an elite group of students, selected from hundreds of applications, to participate on the 2019 Harvard Debate Council through the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project.

The exclusive Harvard Debate Council summer residential program provides high school students the opportunity to improve their speech and debate skills in classes led by accomplished instructors and coaches on the university’s Cambridge campus.

Laney, who for the past year has been focused on improving her debate and public speaking skills, entered the Council’s Diversity Project competitive process by completing an application and submitting a video. The Diversity Project, founded by Harvard Assistant Coach of Debate Brandon Fleming, sponsors 25 metro Atlanta students to attend the Council’s summer program to increase minority representation.

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She and other students chosen by the Diversity Project will prepare for the program by participating in its classes and activities focused on subjects such as political science, philosophy, sociology, and rhetoric. The students also will be provided with leadership experiences and opportunities to help them grow as individuals, enhance their college application and build their professional resume.

Laney will be recognized by the Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools at the board's Oct. 18 meeting.

Photo: Laney Broussard. Credit: Cherokee County School District