(Pictured Above: From Left to Right Josh Clark NDCA secretary, Dan Lingel, and Dana Randall NDCA president)
Hundreds of hidden faces cast ballots, their identities hidden behind unanimous glowing reviews. These voices of admiration blend together to form an award, given to the coach who most represents quality and excellence. This highest honor, Educator of the Year, was presented to our own Mr. Dan Lingel on April 11-12 at the National Debate Coaches Association National Championships. Awarded in the sweltering Las Vegas heat, this prestigious honor “recognizes someone who has made outstanding educational contributions to the debate community” according to the official nomination. The National Debate Coaches Association (or NDCA) is made up of high school and college debate coaches both current and retired, who vote anonymously in support of a worthy candidate. At this exclusive event, four primary awards are presented, the Educator of the Year award being the highest honor bestowed.
Mr. Lingel has aided the NDCA tirelessly since its inception, working without cease at the 25 local and national tournaments this year alone. He exhibits ethics and fair sportsmanship during these events, maintaining Jesuit’s standards of character throughout the United States. In addition to simply coaching, Mr. Lingel spends time mentoring young coaches and “seeking to extend education beyond just high school students.” By reaching for the greater good, Lingel proves endlessly the dedication meriting Educator of the Year.
Within his nomination, multiple colleagues spoke highly of Mr. Lingel, accrediting their votes of confidence to the enthusiastic attitude with which he approaches each competition. To the NDCA members, this award represents “recognition of a deep and profound commitment to education, something that transcends the content of that education.” This commitment mirrors the Jesuit profile, which Mr. Lingel models through his duties as councelor, coach, and teacher.
Dana Randall, chairperson of the NDCA, simply glowed with compliments about Mr. Lingel, heralding him as “a great testimony to what the debate community can be when we prioritize education and how we treat one another in every interaction.” Through her active experience working hands-on with him, Ms. Randall bestowed this highest honor without the slightest hesitations. The tournament director himself, Tim Mahoney, likewise praised Mr. Lingel and his abilities highly, saying, “This type of recognition has been long overdue.” Mr. Lingel manages to blend not only a strict code of ethics but also a levity and humor to each of the many events he attends.
Jesuit continues to set the bar high, becoming the only school to have more than one coach awarded with this highest honor. Ms. Randall again lauded the duo’s leadership and guidance skills, commenting that this streak of victories “speaks to the culture that Mr. Lingel and Dr. McFarland have created for their students and that culture is constantly reflected in the behavior and demeanor of their teams.” All of the Jesuit debate teachers have now won Educator of the Year, in addition to Dr. McFarland’s accreditation in 2012. Both coaches continue to uphold the tradition of excellence present across the various Jesuit activities and in the School’s profile.
Mr. Lingel continues to carry himself in the same humble manner, utilizing this opportunity to praise the many other integral members of the NDCA. Debate is seen by Mr. Lingel as the greatest sport on Earth, one of the few activities that “makes people better in every way.” Rather than expressing shock at his elite certification, Mr. Lingel was more surprised at the overwhelmingly positive nominations from bountiful NDCA members. In his eyes, “Jesuit has a program that others try to emulate, and this awards recognizes” the tireless efforts of the school’s debate staff and team.
Coming off of this fantastic victory, Mr. Lingel and the debate team prepare for another exciting season. He is looking forward to the debate calendar to restart, “looking forward to the same sort of competitive success as this year.” The 2015-2016 season deals with domestic surveillance, a controversial issue with large public and social presence. With the able guidance of two certified educators at the helm, debate continues to inspire greatness and foster positive morals as the school year draws to a close.
