Wylie, Texas

WHS senior chosen for national iDebate

Roza Essaw, a Wylie High School senior, is one of only 48 students nationwide who has been selected to participate in a leadership and development program hosted by retired General Tommy Franks.

iDebate: Developing Leaders with General Franks is a five-day leadership development camp for high school students who will be trained in strategic thinking, planning, communication, teamwork and persuasion. It will be held in early August.

The students will receive training from the National Center for Policy Analysis professional analysts and debate coaches, university professors and university debate students. Students will work directly with General Franks and other nationally recognized leaders such as NCPA President Dr. John Goodman and Dr. Nathan B. Mellor, executive director of the Academy of Leadership and Liberty at Oklahoma Christian University.

Students from all over the United States applied for the program; only 48 were chosen to participate. iDebate will be held on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City.

“The students at this camp will be learning how to discuss and debate issues without rancor or attacks,” said General Franks. “We are going to be developing leaders who can solve problems and communicate solutions that will propel our world to greater peace, prosperity and respect.”

Some students will receive a $2,500 scholarship to the university of their choice.

iDebate is sponsored by The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum along with Oklahoma Christian University’s Academy of Leadership & Liberty and the National Center for Policy Analysis.

The Academy of Leadership & Liberty is located on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University and strives to identify, encourage and support leaders who are willing to use their leadership skills to promote equality, freedom, character and service.

The National Center for Policy Analysis is a nonprofit public policy research organization that seeks private sector solutions for public policy problems.

According to information from the organization, The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum is a national, world-class facility devoted to enhancing balanced decision-making through the critical study of history.

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