Courtney Schauer, Emporia State University’s assistant director of debate, received the District 3 Person of the Year Award for the competition year spanning 2017-18.
The District 3 Person of the Year Award was originated to honor service and membership to the debate community as represented by NDT District 3. It is awarded every year to a great citizen of the community, someone who elevates those around them.
Debate is held together by a sense of family and the Person of the Year Award is intended to recognize strong contributions by a coach or competitor to the collective excellence and sense of community within debate, particularly in District 3 which spans Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri.
“Courtneyhas already demonstrated commitment to competitive excellence by winning the elite high school national championship, the Tournament of Champions, which illustrates that she is capable of coaching at the highest echelons of debate,” said Christopher Loghry, ESU director of debate. “What’s more is that she is constantly driving herself to become a better coach, to innovate, and find ways to communicate and coach all students effectively.”
Loghry also noted that Schauer is by far and away the most preferred critic in District 3 and one of the most preferred nationwide.
“Other recipients of this award are people with decades of service to debate, Ph.Ds, and national championships, which illustrates that Courtney has — already in her young career — demonstrated the highest level of competitive brilliance and compassion for her students,” Loghry concluded.