The 2021 National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament book has been posted on the NSDA website. Wellington’s competitors are listed (as usual), and Coach Paul Gaba is mentioned several times based on accolades he is receiving this year:
– Gaba earned his Don Crabtree Distinguished Service Award – Fifth Honors
– Gaba also earned the 2021 NSDA District Chair Gold Award (as chair of the Florida Oceanfront District)
– And Gaba earned his 4th Diamond Coach designation, based on years of coaching and honor points earned by students over that time.
Gaba’s response regarding the 4th Diamond announcement Sunday, June 13:
“I began my journey as a high school speech and debate coach in 2000, the same year as Traci Lowe. I was at South Fork High School, she was at Suncoast High School. Two years later, I was at Wellington High School, and over the past 20 years, we’ve worked so well together, and with many other peers in the world of speech and debate. I am proud to call her my friend, and even though we couldn’t receive our 4th Diamond awards in person in the city of my birth (Des Moines, Iowa) this year, I can think of no better person to be honored in tandem with. The National Speech and Debate Association has yet to announce its 2026 host, but I look forward to being on stage with Traci when we receive our 5th Diamond awards that June.”