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KEYNOTE SPEAKER: KURT FAUSTIN 

Kurt Faustin is the Founder of TriUmph. Featured as an influential speaker and thought leader, he has worked with publications and outlets from YMCA and the Huffington Post, Kurt has an unwavering commitment to ensuring permanent change within the mindset. He is a prominent orator that discovered the formula that will decide if a dream or a vision will be accomplished by anyone. The depth of his talks ranges from identifying your dream, being intimate with your dream and taking your next step to make it come to fruition. Just as important, his talks remove the mental barriers that hold people back from striving towards their goals. He currently serves on the board of Directors for BÈL Monique which focuses on empowering women through workshops and editorial photo shoots. In addition, he volunteers at Massachusetts Community Outreach Initiative, MCOI whose goal is to create a positive transition and support system for men who are released from prison. Kurt worked in a prominent position at one of the top health 

insurance companies in the country but decided to quit to follow his mission in life, aiding others to achieve their desired results. He studied what makes people accomplish great results while being a student of Tony Robbins Business Mastery seminar (The nation’s #1 Life and Business Strategist), Dave Meerman Scott, internationally acclaimed online marketing strategist and Dr. Eric Thomas business seminar. This experience enhanced Kurt's message and strategy as he is an advocate for lifelong learning. His business venture called, "Still My President" served as a case study to help new entrepreneurs and overly ambitious goal seekers. The company's press release was featured on an international platform within 2 days of its release but more importantly, proceeds from the sales went to an accredited charity in Boston. Kurt's speaking style, depth of knowledge and ability to connect with his audience's inner core, has afforded him to be recognized by organizations such as Toastmasters and The Zeti Phi Beta Sorority. His efforts continue to persist as he is moving beyond motivating people, it is empowerment that will lead to achievement. Website: www.kurtfaustin.com

AGENDA 

2024-2025 PROMPT

Media plays a major role in US politics and elections, and in today’s digital age, social media (for example YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, X), has become the main source of political information for teenagers and young adults. By political information, we mean:

• Information and opinions about political candidates

• Information and opinions about public policies

• Information and opinions about social issues, the state of the economy, international issues, etc. as they influence the thinking     of voters as they go to the polls.

 

Given its impact and the degree of unreliable or intentionally distorted information on social media, do you think that it should or should not be regulated?

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a. If yes, why, and how should this be done, and how should society address the tension between widespread inaccuracies, accountability and the First Amendment?

b. If no, why, and what do you recommend should be done to address the influence that misinformation and disinformation have on the electoral/democratic process?

(For the full prompt, click here)

About the
Tenacity Challenge

Tenacity Challenge Video

The Latino/a and African American Tenacity Challenge is an annual academic scholarship competition for teams of Latinx and African-American students from urban and suburban high schools across Massachusetts. Recommended team size is 6 (may not be larger than 6) students allowing for several members of each team to "specialize" in an area of the challenge preparation.  During the extended period of preparation, students build academic capacity, strengthen intellectual risk-taking and develop enduring peer and faculty relationships.

The Competition

The Tenacity Challenge competition will consist of four events centered around the theme of tenacity and leadership. The competition will take place on March 22nd, 2025.  Each team will determine its own division of labor in order to prepare for the four events:

 

- Math Quiz Bowl Challenge (SAT Math) (There will be no Science component to the 2025 Tenacity Challenge)

 

 - Literature Response Challenge (Video in response to a memoir read by the team)

 

 - History Argument Challenge (Team will research and argue a position before a panel of judges)

 

 - Tenacity Art Challenge- (artistic creation completed prior to the competition date and submitted online)

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A range of points will be earned for each event (see rubrics).  The highest scoring teams for each event will be recognized with certificates or trophies.  The winners of the overall competition (highest cumulative points) will win scholarships.  Each member of the first place team will win a $1,000 scholarship; second place, a $700 scholarship; third place, a $400 scholarship and 4th place a $150 scholarship.

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