On November 19th, Wellington’s director of speech and debate, Paul Gaba, received his Fifth Diamond Coach Award from the National Speech & Debate Association. Diamond Coach awards reflect excellence and longevity in the activity.
A coach’s first Diamond is earned when they receive 15,000 points and have been coaching in the NSDA for at least five years since achieving their Degree of Merit, which Gaba earned on November 16, 2000. Five years must pass between each new diamond award, and 15,000 points must be earned to receive a second diamond. An additional 30,000 points must be earned and five years must pass for each additional diamond.
Since 1925, the NSDA has been recognizing student and coach achievements in speech and debate. The Diamond Coach Award is one of the highest honors a coach can achieve as a part of the league.