Congratulations to the Nova High School Debate Team, on receiving highest honors at the National Speech and Debate Association’s (NSDA) National Tournament. This year’s tournament was held June 15-20 in Overland, Kansas. Over 4,000 students representing 1,100 schools competed.

Reaching the Nationals from one of the most competitive districts in the nation is a huge accomplishment. This year, Nova High students and coaches earned the School of Outstanding Distinction award, given to only the top 10 schools in the nation. Additionally, they earned the prestigious Karl Mundt Award for excellence in Congressional Debate. Nova is one of only three schools to have earned this cumulative award three times. Nova High was also awarded the highest honor the NSDA can bestow on a school -- the Bruno Jacob Award named after the league’s founder. The award represents the highest level of achievement by the entire team.

Earning individual awards this year: Valerie Jean, a quarter finalist in Dramatic Interpretation; Jonathan Hutton, an octo finalist in United States Extemporaneous Speaking; Stephanie Bernstein, a semifinalist in Original Oratory; Brooke Berger and partner Craig Heyne, Vanessa Gordillo and partner Nicholas Ferreira were quarter finalists in Duo Interpretation; Eun Park, a semifinalist in Congressional Debate, and Raymond Rif placed fifth in the nation in Congressional Debate. In addition, Coach Kathleen Hamm was awarded her Third Diamond award, and Coach Lisa Miller was awarded her Fifth Diamond and inducted into the NSDA Hall of Fame.