Writing. Editing. Presenting. Whether it’s typing up thousands of words or standing at a podium articulating in an engaging manner, the International Public Policy Forum Club (IPPF) was started this year at North Atlanta High School to give students the chance to write and debate about matters revolving around global issues. Originally founded in 2001 by the Brewer University and administered in partnership with New York University, IPPF enables students to participate in competitions, with the opportunity to go on a fully funded trip to New York City on April 18, 2026 if they are one of the eight final teams. On the line lies $10,000 and the title of IPPF World Champion.
With any club, there is always a hard-driving and determined individual behind its roots, and for IPPF, that was junior Loana Ricci Duarte. For typical meetings, she expects them to last 1-2 hours, with the whole team working together for the first half before separating into their respective roles for the second half. As someone who is passionate about foreign conflicts and affairs, she knows the importance of finding people that share similar passions and working together for a common cause. “I started this club to encourage others to try out something new without feeling judged or undeserving,” Duarte said.
The essays that are written are crucial, but editing them to ensure that they are produced to the highest quality is also of the essence. Junior Kimberly Boyd, the editing lead, believes that there’s always room for improvement when it comes to writing. Under her management, she looks for people who have creative minds and can identify key ideas that need the most attention while also being able to thrive in a group-oriented environment, maintain a positive attitude, and have the motivation to be their best selves. “Writing has never been a one-and-done type of thing,” she said.
When it comes to presentations, some dread the very moment in which they have to speak out loud, with their thoughts being consumed with fear of being critically judged, the possibility of stuttering, and the looks on other’s faces. Yet, junior Graydon Linard, the oral debate lead, embraces his role and holds his head up high with assurance that he will greatly succeed given that he already has experience leading in orchestra as a 12-year cello player. Seeking people who can make good connections with the other peers in the club, he views being able to work well on a team more important than one’s skill. “It’s our first year,” he said, “and I feel like we can learn from the experience no matter what.”
While the grand prize and destination of the IPPF competition would inevitably draw people to the club, the process that it takes to reach that point is one that demands significant effort that must not be overlooked. In the end, the numerous hours of preparation that are necessary leave students not only with the chance to win but also meaningful friendships and personal growth that last far beyond high school.
