Langston Hughes Debate Team Claims 2026 AUDL Championship in Historic First Season
In less than a year, the Langston Hughes High School debate team transformed from a loosely organized group of students into regional champions, capturing the 2026 Atlanta Urban Debate League Championship (AUDL) in a season defined by resilience, belief, and relentless preparation.
Founded in October 2025 by first-year Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) graphic design teacher and coach Samuel Teague, the program began with uncertainty.
“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.”
That culture would be tested almost immediately. As their first tournament approached, many students questioned whether they were ready. Some suggested delaying the competition altogether, but Teague refused.
“Preparation isn’t about feeling ready; it’s about trusting what you’ve already built,” he told them, challenging doubts tied to inexperience and perception. “You have everything it takes to compete and be successful right now.”
They forged ahead and never looked back. The 20-member team steadily improved, placing second in their first two tournaments before breaking through with a first-place sweepstakes victory in December. They closed the year on a surge, winning three consecutive tournaments. That momentum carried them into the highly competitive AUDL Championship in February, where 25 schools battled across novice, junior varsity, and varsity divisions.
“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, and that belief paid off.
When the final announcement came, the room erupted. “We did it!” one student shouted as the team celebrated a milestone victory, not just for the season, but for the school’s first official competitive debate circuit win.
For junior Edward Lee Shines IV, the win was both emotional and expected.
“I was overjoyed but honestly, I wasn’t surprised,” he said. “With the amount of work and sleepless nights we put in, I expected nothing less.” Shines credited the team’s bond and Teague’s leadership, adding, “The energy and family we built is something I know will last forever.”
Sophomore London Darlington’s journey reflects the team’s growth. After losing her first three tournaments, she struggled with confidence and technical skills. But through late-night practice calls and support from teammates, she found her footing.
“I kept working and grew more confident,” she said. “Winning the championship felt like the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.”
Principal Dr. Darrell L. Stephens sees their victory as a reflection of deeper values.
“Their success shows not only their talent, but also the discipline and preparation they’ve invested in,” Dr. Stephens believes. He praised the team’s culture of “collaboration, resilience, and intellectual curiosity,” along with Teague’s leadership in cultivating student potential.
The school rallied behind the team throughout the season, promoting their achievements through newsletters, social media, and community recognition. For Dr. Stephens, the students’ impact extends beyond competition.
“Thank you for setting such a powerful example of excellence. You’re showing everyone what’s possible,” Stephens said.
Now, the team is looking ahead and fundraising to compete at state and national levels while mentoring students at Renaissance Middle School to build the next generation of debaters.
For Teague, the mission remains clear.
“This program has never been about me; it has always been about them,” he said. “Their growth, their voices, their success.”
AUDL 2026 CHAMPIONS:
- Aliyah Aqeel
- Lailah Barry
- London Brown
- Mikyah Daniels
- London Darlington
- St. Laurant Hicks
- Darren Wagner II
- Brielle Johnson
- Harmony Johnson
- JaMari Little
- DeAsia McBride
- Kate Mumford
- Andre Oliver
- Jaylen Shand
- Paco Shines
- Prince Spann