The Wellington “Spirit of Debate” Golden Gavel is not awarded based on trophies or tournament success, number of tournaments, number of National Speech & Debate Association honor points, or any other barometer of “tournament success.” There is no application process. It is awarded annually to a student or students who have upheld the five NSDA Code of Honor standards: humility, equity, integrity, leadership, respect, and service.

2024 – Paula Currea Mahecha, Madison Neltner, and Ewa Tryniszewski

2023 – Isabella Tombari

2022 – Carolina Aguilera-Garza, Jaiden Lagalo-Blinston, and Harrison Winton

2021 – Kieran Abesamis

2020 – MiaBeth Gorodetzer-Edelman

2019 – Joseph Long

2018 – Bennett Aikey

2017 – Caramen McDaniel

2016 – Antoinette Gray

2015 – B. Kwadjo Walker

2014 – Ross Lustgarten

2013 – Alexa Fortuna, Rachel Ganon, Stephie Maravankin, Michael Reynolds, Eve Tenenbaum, and Nick Thibault

2012 – Katerina Mangini

2011 – Darby Guyn and Sierra Pelizza

2010 – Jack Townsend

2009 – Andrew Tuccinardi

2008 – Kevin Sopczak

2007 – Farrell Cole and Katie Henderson

2006 – Katie Eversole

2005 – Mark Chrzanowski

2004 – Olga Padron

2003 – Tabitha Armstrong