There are many individuals who give continually to the community of forensics that we love and adore! At the Sunvitational we have created two special awards to recognize a giving spirit for both students and coaches.  The Bonnie Eletz Student Service Award is given to one student each year for using forensics to make a positive impact in the community and the Jenny Cook Mentorship Award is given to an adult in the community who works to promote the activity.  The awards are given out each year at the tournament award ceremony - complete information can be found below!

Jenny Cook Mentorship Award

Every coach has someone they can point to as a mentor - a person that without coaching forensics would be near impossible.  University School is blessed to have Jenny Cook at the school and in recognition of her contributions to the entire forensics community, as a past coach and now as a current administrator, an award is given in her name to an adult in our community who meets the following criteria:

A) Someone who guides new coaches in the activity

B) Someone who is dedicated to the growth of the activity beyond their own team

C) Someone who is selfless and makes sacrifices for the community

D) Someone who is passionate about forensics education

Past Winners:

Chris Palmer, Newton South High School

Bonnie Eletz Student Service Award

Each year the University School Forensics program would like to recognize an outstanding competitor that is attending our tournament for their service. Students in speech and debate have a unique opportunity to use their talents to leave lasting impressions on others within their community. We would like to recognize that special service at our tournament in honor of the outstanding service that Bonnie Eletz has provided to our own Speech and
Debate team.

In order to receive the award:

A) A coach must submit in writing a letter explaining why their student is deserving of this award. The recommendation should clearly outline how the student uses speech and debate related skills to have a positive impact on others. Please clearly describe the service, the time commitment and any other characteristics about the individual that would help us make our determination. The information provided may be read during the awards
ceremony.

B) Students may only be nominated if they are competing in our tournament.

C) Students must be available during the awards ceremony of the tournament.

D) Nominations must be emailed to Steve Schappaugh (schappau@nova.edu) no later than November 20th.

The winner will receive a commemorative award during the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the Sunvitational.

The nominations will be evaluated by a committee of individuals to determine the winner.

Past Winners:

Mercedes Guillot - Braddock High School