Perseverance Makes Diamonds

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By Randee Schmitt

After teaching only for four years at Madison, speech and debate teacher Chris Mifflin was announced as the newest recipient of the National Forensic League’s diamond award. The National Forensic League, an honor society for middle and high school speech and debate, presents its diamond award to those whose career represents continuous excellence.

“We’re all really proud of Mr. Mifflin for receiving a national award and doing it so early as a debate coach,” senior Brian Gonzales said.

Diamond awards are received based on the amount of points coaches earn. One-tenth of the points earned by students and one-tenth of the points earned as a student member of the league are awarded to the coach. Mifflin received his diamond award on Jan 29 after earning 1,514 points.

“I was proud of the fact that our own debate coach was able to accomplish something so big,” junior Beverly Herrera said. “It’s good knowing he can do this and goes to show just how awesome a teacher he is.”

Gonzales says that Mifflin’s success came in part from the fact that he “looked for a select few students that wouldn’t give up on him, and he didn’t give up on them,” and more importantly, perseverance. Mifflin will be recognized on June 20 at the Lincoln Financial Group/National Forensic League National Speech and Debate Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama, where he will receive his award.

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