NHI brings more than 100 future leaders from U.S. and Central America to St. Francis University

A diverse group of more than 100 students — hailing from up and down the eastern seaboard, as well as the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico — came to St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, from June 28 to July 3, to convene the 2024 edition of National Hispanic Institute’s Northeast Great Debate.

The tournament has long been a hub for students in the robust NHI East Coast group, as well as a magnet for international students looking to do an NHI program in the United States.

Dr. Bobby Anderson, director of admissions at St. Francis University, greeted participating students by saying, “I haven’t met you yet, but already I know so much about you. You guys are excellent students, leaders, compassionate people who want to better yourselves, not just so you can walk around feeling special, but for the betterment of others. Caring for others is so important in life, but especially here at St. Francis University. That is the very foundation of our school.”

Keysla Rodriguez, Associate Educational Director for the program, said, “The 2024 NEGD provided the vehicle for students and staff to showcase the value of community, friendship, and integrity. The six-day experience was a true testament to the shining brightness that this generation is bringing to the world around us. They are a true vision for what leadership is and will continue to be for years to come.”

Daniel Pimentel, a member of the All-State-honored Cross Examination team, from All Hallows High School in Bronx, New York, said, “I initially found it hard to accept losing, especially since I’m used to extreme competitions settings like in Mock Trial. Northeast Great Debate helped me realize that it’s okay to lose and that I am always winning by learning, which I did during my time there.”

“I realized that to grow as a leader and as a person, I needed to listen closely to others,” he added. “That every single word counts and how I can’t just jump to conclusions. NEGD showed me how crucial it is to understand different viewpoints and feedback effectively. This helped me improve communication and overall team dynamics.”

Award winners included:

Oratory

• 1st Place: Aimee Baez, Muhlenberg Junior High School, Reading, Pennsylvania
• 2nd Place: Elianna Ortiz, Colegio Circulo Infantil de Pestalozzi, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
• All-State: Maria Jose Garcia, Academia María Reina, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Extemporaneous Speaking

• 1st Place: Andres Chial, Colegio Cientifico Tecnologico Einstein, San Antonio Suchitepequez, Guatemala
• 2nd Place: Elena Viruet, Academia Maria Reina, San Juan, Puerto Rico
• All-State: Kimberly Lopez Velazquez, Red Land High School, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania

Cross Examination

• 1st Place: Ruby Rodriguez, Mariana Bracetti Academy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Leader); Jadiel Ayuso, Harrisburg High School – John Harris Campus, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (Member)
• 2nd Place: Jeremy Maron Peralta, Mariana Bracetti Academy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Leader); Jerry Montoya, All Hallows High School, Bronx, New York (Member)
• All-State: Darwin Gaitan, Mariana Bracetti Academy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Leader); Daniel Pimentel, All Hallows High School, Bronx, New York (Member)

Most Improved Awards

• Jeremy Cruz, Harrisburg High School – John Harris Campus, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Noor Garcia, Muhlenberg Junior High School, Reading, Pennsylvania
• Abi Hirschfield, Kimberton Waldorf School, Phoenxiville, Pennsylvania
• Nataly Juarez, Colegio Cientifico Tecnologico Einstein, San Antonio Suchitepequez, Guatemala
• Naomi Pacheco, Colegio Cientifico Tecnologico Einstein, San Antonio Suchitepequez, Guatemala
• Rosaura Pop, Colegio Cientifico Tecnologico Einstein, San Antonio Suchitepequez, Guatemala
• Blanca Santiago, Harrisburg High School – John Harris Campus, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Joseph Ventura, All Hallows High School, Bronx, New York (Member)

Athenaeum

• 1st Place: Kayla Cardoza, Academy of Mount Saint Ursula, Bronx, New York; Abi Hirschfield, Kimberton Waldorf School, Phoenxiville, Pennsylvania; Lawrence Pryor, Suitland High School, District Heights, Maryland; Naomi Vega-Castaneda, Kennett High School, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
• 2nd Place: Samuel Gonzalez, Colegio Cientifico Tecnologico Einstein, San Antonio Suchitepequez, Guatemala; Madeline Ordonez, Harrisburg High School – John Harris Campus, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Naomi Pacheco, Colegio Cientifico Tecnologico Einstein, San Antonio Suchitepequez, Guatemala; Rosaura Perez, Harrisburg High School – John Harris Campus, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Shaggy Prophete, Academia de Liderazgo UCE (AL-UCE), San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
• 3rd Place: Isa Brown, Manteo High School, Manteo, North Carolina; Emely Corea, The American Dream School, Bronx, New York; Nataly Garcia, Colegio Cientifico Tecnologico Einstein, San Antonio Suchitepequez, Guatemala; Elenny Marte, Muhlenberg Junior High School, Reading, Pennsylvania

Hall of Fame Award

• Imany Gyopong, Muhlenberg Junior High School, Reading, Pennsylvania

Dean Stephen Merritt Memorial Award

• Oliver Sosa, Colegio Circulo Infantil de Pestalozzi, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic

The Northeast Great Debate was made possible in part by support from State Farm.