PBSC student Augustin Gervasio wins second place in statewide debate competition

Palm Beach State College student Augustin Gervasio placed second in the third annual Grand Debate held on Thursday, Nov. 21, at St. Petersburg College. He received a $500 reward.

Kingston James of St. Petersburg College placed first and Hillsborough Community College’s Derek Splinter placed third.

This year’s debate topic was: “Artificial Intelligence Will Positively Impact the Labor Market – Agree or Disagree?”

Augustin competed against other students from Palm Beach State, Hillsborough Community College, St. Petersburg College and Eastern Florida State College. Political Science professor Dr. Kevin Coakley served as his debate coach.

The initiative was developed and hosted by The Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions (ISPS) at St. Petersburg College. This multi-college competition allows students to debate on crucial issues and compete for cash.

Before advancing to the statewide competition, Gervasio won PBSC’s Grand Debate competition held Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the College’s Lake Worth campus.

Gervasio, who is originally from Boca Raton, plans to attend law school. For more information on The Grand Debate competition, click here.