High school debate coach Abby Schirmer received a prestigious invitation to the Gold Key Honor Society, an illustrious honor society for high school debate programs all over the country. This grand milestone is one of the highest pedestals for high school debate coaches in the country.
The Gold Key Society is a highly selective honor society that was established in 1964 by the Barkly Forum for high schools at Emory University. The society’s main goal is to recognize members for their contribution to speech and debate education, mentorship, and ethical coaching.
This past January, Schirmer was honored at the famous Emory Speech and Debate tournament for this induction. She sees this achievement as “a result of long-term professional discipline and success.”
Nearly every single weekend since 2008, Schirmer has dedicated her time and energy to coaching and judging at various debate tournaments all across the state. Additionally, she serves on the board of the National Debate Coaches Association and helps run major national tournaments sponsored the National Debate Coaching Association (NDCA) and the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA).
Schirmer prides herself on her professional development, ensuring she is up to date on the latest arguments, and actively staying in the know on what is happening in the community. She is absolutely honored to be recognized by the community and other coaches around the country by her membership.
It is easy for others to acknowledge and appreciate her passion and dedication to debate when her commitment is easily recognizable.
For the next generations of debate students, Schirmer says students should “commit, seek feedback endlessly, and measure success by growth and not just trophies.”
The longstanding motto of the Marist debate team holds true in her words: “Hold the vision and trust the process.”
Even with the massive achievements, Schirmer stays purposely committed to her work and her students. “Recognition carries responsibility. My goal moving forward is to continue raising the bar while ensuring debate remains a source of excellence at Marist,” she said.
