For the second consecutive year, Chaminade High School’s John Michael Magloire, 18, of Hewlett, was named The Great Communicator National Champion of the Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series. Held on Saturday, July 21 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, the competition included 16 of the top debaters from high schools across the U.S. Magloire earned the top spot.
In the organization’s own words, The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series aims to “develop proactive, informed, educated, and conscientious citizens and leaders.” Debates center on contemporary civics issues; topics have included the two-party political system, congressional redistricting, immigration, and social media. In the final round at the national tournament, Magloire and his opponent debated freedom of the press and its benefit to democracy.
“It was nice to see people I saw last year and the great people at the foundation,” Magloire said. “Two or three competitors returned, as well. It was a bittersweet time, though, since it was my last high-school tournament. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.”
Magloire continued, “I did learn from last year and tried to improve on that this year. Speech and Debate defined my high school years. You learn a lot about different topics and ideas, travel the country, and meet some of your best friends. It’s been a great experience.”
Selection for the tournament is based on performance in local and regional tournaments. With Chaminade’s Speech and Debate team, Magloire garnered high honors on the state and national levels before the national Reagan Debates. In 2017, Magloire was part of the Chaminade Lincoln-Douglas Debate team taking first place at the New York State Forensic League Championship Tournament at Hofstra University, marking Chaminade’s first win in the category. Magloire has also traveled to Washington, Birmingham, Ala. and Louisville, Ky. for national tournaments.
“John Michael grasps topics quickly,” said Brother John McGrory, Chaminade’s Speech and Debate coach. “He is able to carefully think about the other side of an argument and, as a result, is one of the most tenacious questioners of his opponents. He makes complex topics simple for anyone to understand, and has served as a great role model for his classmates.”
Magloire, who graduated from Chaminade in June, will begin studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. this fall. He will focus on economics and philosophy.
