Sandburg's McGraw Double Diamond Debate Coach

Sandburg High School Debate Coach Lainee McGraw has been named a Double Diamond Coach by the National Speech and Debate Association, the largest interscholastic speech and debate organization in the country.

A Diamond Coach is recognized for a professional career that combines excellence and longevity. This is the second time McGraw has received the award.

McGraw has served the Eagle Debate Team as Coach for 14 years. In that time the team has grown from four debaters to more than 80. It is the largest and most successful debate team in the state, having produced four IHSA State Championships and two runner-up finishes.

The National Speech and Debate Association has recognized the team as being among the top 1% of all schools in the nation in terms of size and success.

In addition to serving the Eagles Debate Team, McGraw is IHSA State Final Manager, running the State tournament and managing the calendar for all schools in the state of Illinois.

McGraw also serves as a mentor to other schools’ Debate teams. This year she worked with 20 coaches from multiple high schools to help them develop their debate programs in response to the speaking, listening, writing, researching and critical thinking demands of Common Core.