Schools
Union City Teacher Receives National Recognition
Jesse Garrett is co-director of the award-winning Speech & Debate Team at James Logan High School.
UNION CITY, CA — Jesse Garrett, co-director of the Speech and Debate team at James Logan High School in Union City, has received a First Diamond Award from the National Speech & Debate Association. Garrett is one of three California educators chosen for a Diamond Award, recognizing a professional career that combines excellence and longevity in speech and debate education.
The other California winners are Robert Ickes of Leland High School in San Jose who also received a First Diamond Award. A Second Diamond Award went to Michele VanNieuwenhuyzen of Turlock High School in Turlock.
According tot he organization, the National Speech & Debate Association has been recognizing student and coach achievements in speech and debate since 1925. Coaches earn points in the national honorary through team participation, student achievement, public service, and leadership work.
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"Our Diamond Award winners provide access to the life changing benefits of speech and debate for thousands of students," said National Speech & Debate Association Director J. Scott Wunn. "We are proud to recognize these educators for their service, and thank them for their hard work."
To earn a Diamond Award, a coach must be a member of the National Speech & Debate Association for at least five years. Coaches earn additional awards with more points earned in the Honor Society.
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A coach who attains 1,500 points is awarded a first diamond. They receive a second diamond for 3,000 points, a third for 6,000 points, and so on. Five years must pass between each Diamond Award.
Garrett and the other honorees will be recognized at the world’s largest academic competition, the National Speech & Debate Tournament, in Dallas this June.
More about James Logan High School Speech and Debate team
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