Blake Dynamic Debate Duo Takes Top Honors

Debate coaches at The Blake School Shane Stafford and Sandy Berkowitz are the first duo to be named Coach of the Year by the Minnesota Debate Teachers Association. The award was presented at this year’s state debate tournament, where Blake’s team also celebrated a state championship win for policy debaters Emma Wexler ’16 and Nate Nys ’16.

This was the second coaching award this season for Stafford and Berkowitz. They also were recognized during the New York City Invitational with the Bronx Achievement Award, given annually to members of the speech and debate community for triumph in coaching, excellence in pedagogy and contributions to the speech and debate community.

Following on the heels of his Coach of the Year win, Stafford traveled to Atlanta for his induction into the Gold Key Society of the Emory Barkley Forum. He was one of three debate teachers nationwide to be selected by his peers for this prestigious honor.