The Langston Hughes High School debate team won the 2026 Atlanta Urban Debate League Championship, according to a March 30 announcement. The victory comes in the team’s first official season since its founding in October 2025 by graphic design teacher and coach Samuel Teague.
The achievement is significant as it marks the school’s first competitive win on the debate circuit and demonstrates how quickly a new program can succeed with determination and support. The team started with little structure but grew rapidly under Teague’s guidance.
“When I first inquired, there was no formal structure or competitive framework in place,” Teague said. “What followed was a grassroots effort of recruiting students from classrooms and building a team culture from scratch.”
Despite initial doubts about their readiness, Teague encouraged his students to trust their preparation. “Preparation isn’t about feeling ready; it’s about trusting what you’ve already built,” he told them. As the season progressed, the group placed second at their first two tournaments before winning three consecutive events and ultimately claiming victory at the AUDL Championship among competitors from 25 schools.
“I knew my team was going to win, not because of what I saw on the ballots, but because I chose to believe,” Teague affirmed. Team members described their success as both emotional and expected after months of hard work. Junior Edward Lee Shines IV said, “With the amount of work and sleepless nights we put in, I expected nothing less.” Sophomore London Darlington reflected on her personal growth: “Winning the championship felt like the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.”
Principal Dr. Darrell L. Stephens credited discipline and teamwork for their accomplishment: “Their success shows not only their talent, but also the discipline and preparation they’ve invested in.” He also praised Teague’s leadership for fostering collaboration among students.
Looking ahead, Langston Hughes High School’s debate team plans to compete at state and national levels while mentoring younger students at Renaissance Middle School. As coach Teague concluded: “This program has never been about me; it has always been about them — their growth, their voices, their success.”
