We are excited to invite you to Maverick’s Message Invitational Tournament, a special event dedicated to raising funds for the beloved PHS Debate President, Maverick. This tournament is not just a competition; it's a chance for our community to come together and support one of our own in his courageous battle against brain cancer.

About Maverick: Maverick, a junior at Pensacola High School, began his journey with brain cancer on October 30, 2024, after experiencing a seizure at school. A large tumor was discovered and successfully removed two days later. Unfortunately, the pathology results confirmed the tumor was cancerous, necessitating further innovative treatments, including targeted proton therapy, at Emory University over the coming months.

Maverick's tumor is a malignant glioma, caused by a mutation with no known origin. However, he has an additional mutation that makes him more receptive to chemotherapy, significantly increasing his chances of survival. Alongside these treatments, Maverick will also be starting a special diet to help restrict proteins that cancer cells thrive on.

Why Maverick Needs Our Support: Maverick is known for his unwavering kindness and willingness to help others. His heart is as big as the world, and his optimism is infectious. Now, it's our turn to support him. Maverick wants to use his journey to remind the community about the importance of taking care of yourself and others. In honor of Maverick’s Message to our community and is love of Speech and Debate, NCFL-Pensacola and Pensacola High School are hosting a local tournament with two events: Big Questions Debate and Prepared Prompt Speaking. The funds raised from this tournament will go directly towards Maverick's medical expenses and help ease the financial burden on his family during this challenging time.

This year’s Big Questions resolution is: “Creativity is a more powerful force than intelligence.” For those of you new to Big Questions (this is our first time offering it locally), it is a wonderful event that challenges students to dig into big, philosophical questions about life. You can find the rules and format on the NSDA website. If you need additional information on the event, let me know and I can send you some materials.

For prepared prompt: I am attaching the list of quotes we will be using. They all align with Maverick’s Message of “taking care of yourself and others.” Students who participate can choose one quote from the list and prepare a 5 minute speech. Note cards will be allowed without penalty.

Event Details:

• Date: February 1, 2025
• Time: Round 1 will begin at 9:00 am
• Location: Pensacola High School
• Registration Fee: $15/entry

How You Can Help:

• Participate: Register your team and compete in the tournament!
• Share: Share Maverick’s Message. Tell the community what an amazing young man he is and why he deserves our support.
• Donate: Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated and will make a significant difference. We encourage your team raise funds and collect donations for Maverick prior to the tournament. Any community or school donations can be brought to the tournament. Collection buckets will be onsite.

Let's come together as a community to support Maverick and show him that he is not alone in this fight. Your participation and generosity will make a world of difference.