Parsons High School’s Debate and Forensics Coach Ed Workman has been notified he has joined the society of coaches privileged to receive the National Speech & Debate Association’s Distinguished Service Gold Key.
“Bruno E. Jacob, the founder of the NSDA, initiated the Distinguished Service Award in 1925. This award recognizes coaches who selflessly serve the Association. From hosting and tabulating tournaments, to serving as a local district leader, to serving as an advocate for speech and debate, your work is important and appreciated. Additionally, service is one of the tenets of our code of Honor. By choosing to devote your talents to others, you demonstrate the spirit of our organization at its finest,” executive Director J. Scott Wunn said in a letter to Workman. “Thank you for all you do to support your students and the speech and debate community. Your work has provided students a platform to share their voices. It is my distinct pleasure to present you with the National Speech & Debate Association’s Distinguished Service Key. Congratulations!”
In addition to earning the Distinguished Service Gold Key, Workman is the recipient of his Third Diamond Award from the NSDA, having amassed 60,000 points over his 18 years serving as forensics and debate coach.
Coaches receive one point for every merit point earned by their students through competition, service, and leadership activities. Each point represents dedicated coaching and hours of practice, revision, and growth for students.
The NSDA explains that coaches earn Association membership and advanced standing at the same milestones as students, until they earn 10,000 points and the Donus D. Roberts Coaching Excellence Award. Once coaches earn 15,000 points, and have been members for at least five years, they will receive their First Diamond Award. Five years must pass between each new diamond award, and another 15,000 points must be earned to receive a second diamond. An additional 30,000 points must be earned and the required five years must pass for each additional diamond to be earned thereafter.
Sitting at his desk, trophies and plaques lining the shelves above his head, Workman said it is not just his guidance, but the hard working, dedicated students each year who rack up the points, who have helped him to achieve his Third Diamond Award.
A dry erase board at the front of the classroom showed he is off to a good start towards his next 30,000 points. It listed 12 students qualifying for state in 26 events. As well, 13 students who are national qualifiers, which Workman said he thinks is a record number for PHS.
“There are usually maybe five that we might get,” he said. “This group really decided they wanted to make something happen.”