Vickery Plaque of Excellence
Each year, the Vickery Plaque of Excellence is presented to the most valuable student on the Marist Speech & Debate Team. The award will consider individual achievements and team achievements in addition to work ethic and leadership.
The honor is named for Sofia Vickery '02, a member of the first team to place in the top three at the State Championships and first Marist student to go on and debate in college. Sofia reached the elimination rounds of the Collegiate National Championship for Georgetown University.
Claire Mills '12
2011-2012
2011-2012
Liam Torpy '15
2012-2013
2012-2013
Sydney Apple '15
2013-2014
2013-2014
Brandon Fountain '15
2014-2015
2014-2015
Katie Hopkins '16
2015-2016
2015-2016
Duvall Adair '17
2016-2017
2016-2017
Paul Plaia '18
2017-2018
2017-2018
Will Sjostrom '20
2018-2019
2018-2019
Sophie Verska '20
2019-2020
2019-2020
Anthony Ovadje '21
2020-2021
2020-2021
Claire Lauterbach '22
2021-2022
2021-2022
Josh Escayg '23
2022-2023
2022-2023
2023-2024 Recipient
FAIZA KHALED '25
2023-2024
2023-2024
Torpy Award for Development
Named in memoriam of Michael Torpy ’17, this award is given to a debater who not only improves their own skill set but also contributes to the development of others on the team. The recipient of this award is a combination of the student's character and dedication to the program. Records will not necessarily determine this award.
Sophie Verska '20
2018-2019
2018-2019
Sydney Vance '21
2019-2020
2019-2020
Faiza Khaled '25
2022-2023
2022-2023
Keegan Leary '23
2020-2021
2020-2021
Josh Escayg '23
2021-2022
2021-2022
2023-2024 Recipient
DANIEL GARCIA '24
2023-2024
2023-2024
Van Houten Award
This award is for the top first year student on the Marist Speech & Debate Team. The award will take into account work ethic, leadership and individual and team achievements students showed in their first full year of speech and debate.
This honor is named for Mike Van Houten III who was the captain of the very first Marist Speech & Debate team in 1984-1985.
Quang Bui '15
2011-2012
2011-2012
Noah Mengisteab '16
2012-2013
2012-2013
Thomas Vance '17
2013-2014
2013-2014
Katie Hopkins '16
2014-2015
2014-2015
Anna Price '18
2015-2016
2015-2016
Victoria Turnier '20
2016-2017
2016-2017
Anthony Ovadje '21
2017-2018
2017-2018
Ian Chung '22
2018-2019
2018-2019
Josh Escayg '23
2019-2020
2019-2020
Alessio Toniolo '25
2020-2021
2020-2021
Charlie Parker '25
2021-2022
2021-2022
Michelle Lee ' 26
2022-2023
2022-2023
2023-2024 Recipient
WILLIAM MASTELLA '28
2023-2024
2023-2024
Maxime Melior Award (2011-2018)
This award was for the most improved student on the Marist Speech & Debate Team. The award will take into account how the coaches have seen the debater improve their skill set over the years. Records will not necessarily determine this award. The award’s recipient will be selected by a committee made up of the Coaching Staff.
Maxime Melior in Latin translates directly to “Particularly Better” or “Most Improved”.
This award was discontinued in 2018 and replaced by the Michael Torpy Award for Development.
RACHEL THURSTON '12
2011-2012
2011-2012
CHANDLER APPLE '14
2012-2013
2012-2013
RYAN MCKENNA '16
2013-2014
2013-2014
JAKE PIGOTT '16
2014-2015
2014-2015
NOAH MENGISTEAB '16
2015-2016
2015-2016
RACHEL LEE '18
2016-2017
2016-2017
WILL SJOSTROM '20
2017-2018
2017-2018
ANNUAL SCHOOL RECOGNITION
SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS AWARD
Every year, Marist School recognizes the two top seniors for their work in academic competitions with the St. Thomas Aquinas Medal to be worn at graduation. Speech & Debate is one of seven activities considered for this award at the School. Only seniors are eligible to receive the medal. Ten debaters have received this medal in school history.
The award was not given in 2019-2020 due to COVID-19.
CLAIRE MILLS '12
2011-2012
2011-2012
BRENDAN PHILLIPS '14
2013-2014
2013-2014
SYDNEY APPLE '15
2014-2015
2014-2015
NOAH MENGISTEAB '16
2015-2016
2015-2016
THOMAS VANCE '17
2016-2017
2016-2017
RACHEL LEE '18
2017-2018
2017-2018
PAUL PLAIA '18
2017-2018
2017-2018
SYDNEY VANCE
2020-2021
2020-2021
ANTHONY OVADJE '21
2020-2021
2020-2021
CLAIRE LAUTERBACH '22
2021-2022
2021-2022
JOSH ESCAYG '23
2022-2023
2022-2023
SEDES SAPIENTIAE AWARD
The Sedes Sapientiae Award is the highest award presented to a Marist student. It is presented to a senior who has excelled in the areas of scholarship, loyalty, and service, and who, by a vote of the faculty, most exemplifies the mission of Marist School. This award is not affiliated with the debate program, but is here to recognize our alumni who have received the honor. Three debaters have won this honor in school history.
DANIEL CHANDRA '08
2007-2008
2007-2008
ERIC EICHELBERGER '12
2011-2012
2011-2012
THOMAS VANCE '17
2016-2017
2016-2017
ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION CUP
Each year The Atlanta Journal Constitution gives a cup to Marist to be awarded to an all‑around outstanding senior. The cup represents the second highest award that Marist can give a student and is selected by a faculty vote. Four debaters have won this honor in school history.
AMANDA BRADLEY '11
2010-2011
2010-2011
JOHN NIEDZWEICKI '12
2011-2012
2011-2012
CLARE SEYMOUR '21
2020-2021
2020-2021
IAN CHUNG '22
2021-2022
2021-2022
MARIST SPEECH & DEBATE ALL TIME RECORDS
MOST WINS BY AN INDIVIDUAL DEBATER
Debaters who participate in policy debate, lincoln douglas debate, or public forum debate receive wins and losses at the end of each round.
Claire Lauterbach '22 holds the all time wins record with 286 career wins.
Marist School has had 24 debaters reach the milestone of 100 career wins and 8 debaters reach 200 career wins.
DEBATERS WITH MORE THAN 100 CAREER VICTORIES
Claire Lauterbach (2022) - 286 wins
Will Sjostrom (2020) - 285 wins
Thomas Vance (2017) - 278 wins
Sophie Verska (2020) - 266 wins
Duvall Adair (2017) - 264 wins
Josh Escayg (2023) - 240 wins
Liam Torpy (2015) - 231 wins
Sydney Apple (2015) - 228 wins
Anthony Ovadje (2021) - 201 wins
Sydney Vance (2021) - 197 wins
Lauryn Walker (2021) - 171 wins
Connor Fraundorf (2017) - 170 wins
Elly Kang (2023) - 164 wins
Sydney Chung (2012) - 161 wins
Libby Mandarino (2012) - 145 wins
Claire Mills (2012) - 129 wins
Quang Bui (2015) - 119 wins
Katie Hopkins (2016) - 118 wins
Maggie Nahas (2022) - 117 wins
Rachel Thurston (2012) - 117 wins
Matthew Horne (2024) - 116 wins
Andrew Zach (2018) - 113 wins
Chandler Apple (2014) - 109 wins
Drew Sherman (2018) - 108 wins
Zoe Elledge (2018) - 108 wins
Michael Torpy (2017) - 102 wins
MOST TOC BIDS BY AN INDIVIDUAL DEBATER
Debaters who participate as a part of our national circuit debate program are able to earn bids to the Tournament of Champions - the highest achievement you can earn as a debater. To see all TOC history, please click here.
Claire Lauterbach '22 holds the all time record with 20 bids to the Tournament of Champions
Marist School has had 5 debaters reach the milestone of 10 career bids.
DEBATERS WITH MORE THAN 10 CAREER TOC BIDS
Claire Lauterbach '22 -- 20 TOC bids
Alta (UT), Apple Valley (MN) x2, Blake School (MN) x2, Bronx Science (NY), Blue Key (FL), Carrollton (GA) x2, Cypress Bay (FL), Dowling Catholic (IA), Durham Academy (NC) x2, Kentucky (KY), Nova (FL), University School (FL) x3, and Valley (IA)
Will Sjostrom '20 -- 17 TOC Bids
Apple Valley (MN), Blake School (MN), Blue Key (FL), Bronx Science (NY), Carrollton (GA), Dowling Catholic (IA), Emory University (GA) x2, Glenbrooks (IL), Holy Cross School (LA), Kentucky (KY) x2, Millard North (NE), Nova (FL), Saint James School (AL) x2, and University School (FL)
Josh Escayg '23 -- 17 TOC Bids
Alta (UT), Apple Valley (MN), Bellaire (TX), Blake School (MN), Blue Key (FL) x2, Carrollton (GA), Durham Academy (NC) x2, Emory University (GA), Kelly Walsh (WY), Kentucky (KY), Nova (FL), St. Genesius (GA), University School (FL) x2
Sophie Verska '20 -- 16 TOC Bids
Apple Valley (MN), Blake School (MN), Blue Key (FL), Bronx Science (NY), Carrollton (GA), Dowling Catholic (IA), Emory University (GA) x2, Glenbrooks (IL), Holy Cross School (LA), Kentucky (KY) x2, Nova (FL), Saint James School (AL) x2, and University School (FL)
Sydney Vance '21 -- 11 TOC Bids
Apple Valley (MN), Blake School (MN) x2, Bronx Science (NY), Cypress Bay (FL), Dowling Catholic (IA), Durham Academy (NC), University School (FL) x2, and Valley (IA)
ALL TIME NSDA POINT RECORD
Through the National Speech & Debate Association’s Honor Society, students earn distinction through speech and debate competition, as well as community service, public speaking, and leadership activities. Students earn points by participating in a number of speech and debate activities including interscholastic competition, public speaking events, and service activities. For example, students earn 6 points for every win and 3 points for every loss in a debate.
Josh Escayg '23 holds the all time record with 3,809 points.
Marist School has had 47 debaters reach the milestone of 1,000 career NSDA points, 12 to reach 2,000 career points and 2 to reach 3,000 career points.
DEBATERS WITH MORE THAN 1,000 CAREER NSDA POINTS
Josh Escayg (2023) - 3,809 points
Faiza Khaled (2025) - 3,023 points
Claire Lauterbach (2022) - 2,916 points
Thomas Vance (2017) - 2,697 points
Will Sjostrom (2020) - 2,543 points
Duvall Adair (2017) - 2,540 points
Sophie Verska (2020) - 2,284 points
Anthony Ovadje (2021) - 2,226 points
Sydney Vance (2021) - 2,070 points
Sienna Reams (2024) - 2,294 points
Kaitlyn Escayg (2026) - 2,094 points
Sydney Apple (2015) - 2,010 points
Liam Torpy (2015) - 1,886 points
Matthew Horne (2024) - 1,948 points
Elly Kang (2023) - 1,825 points
Elizabeth McCall (2024) - 1,784 points
Lauryn Walker (2021) - 1,783 points
Lianna Homrich (2022) - 1,764 points
Paul Plaia (2018) - 1,686 points
Charlie Parker (2025) - 1,685 points
Connor Fraundorf (2017) - 1,652 points
Logan Bjerke (2025) - 1,639 points
Keegan Leary (2023) - 1,632 points
Will Fligg (2023) - 1,608 points
Maggie Nahas (2022) - 1,604 points
Ephrata Tesfaye (2026) - 1,528 points
Andrew Zach (2018) - 1,502 points
Sydney Chung (2012) - 1,482 points
Quang Bui (2015) - 1,460 points
David Kleinrock (2023) - 1,425 points
Chandler Apple (2014) - 1,414 points
Casey Czerniawski (2025) - 1,385 points
Ryan McKenna (2016) - 1,378 points
Libby Mandarino (2012) - 1,344 points
Kaitlin Algeo (2025) - 1,343 points
Claire Mills (2012) - 1,326 points
Liam Kirchner (2016) - 1,287 points
Mia Abujawdeh (2025) - 1,280 points
Noah Mengisteab (2016) - 1,263 points
Katie Hopkins (2016) - 1,182 points
Drew Sherman (2018) - 1,130 points
Ian Chung (2022) - 1,120 points
Michael Torpy (2017) - 1,058 points
Rachel Thurston (2012) - 1,045 points
Jake Pigott (2016) - 1,045 points
Zoe Elledge (2018) - 1,041 points
Victoria Turnier (2020) - 1,022 points
SINGLE SEASON NSDA POINT RECORD
Debaters earn NSDA points for competing at tournaments. Debaters can earn up to 6 points for each win or ranking of '1' in a competitive round.
Josh Escayg '23 holds the all time single season record with 1,866 points, set in 2022-2023.
Marist School has had 62 debaters reach the milestone of 500 NSDA points in a season and 9 to reach 1000 points in a season.
KAITLYN ESCAYG '26
9TH GRADE RECORD
1,289 Points (2022-2023)
9TH GRADE RECORD
1,289 Points (2022-2023)
EPHRATA TESFAYE '26
10TH GRADE RECORD
975 points (2023-2024)
10TH GRADE RECORD
975 points (2023-2024)
FAIZA KHALED '25
11TH GRADE RECORD
1,837 points (2023-2024)
11TH GRADE RECORD
1,837 points (2023-2024)
JOSH ESCAYG '23
12TH GRADE RECORD
1,866 Points (2022-2023)
12TH GRADE RECORD
1,866 Points (2022-2023)
KAITLYN ESCAYG '26
FIRST YEAR RECORD
1,289 Points (2022-2023)
FIRST YEAR RECORD
1,289 Points (2022-2023)
EPHRATA TESFAYE '26
SECOND YEAR RECORD
975 points (2023-2024)
SECOND YEAR RECORD
975 points (2023-2024)
FAIZA KHALED '25
THIRD YEAR RECORD
1,837 points (2023-2024)
THIRD YEAR RECORD
1,837 points (2023-2024)
JOSH ESCAYG '23
FOURTH YEAR RECORD
1,866 Points (2022-2023)
FOURTH YEAR RECORD
1,866 Points (2022-2023)
DEBATERS WITH MORE THAN 500 NSDA POINTS IN A SEASON
Earning more than 500 points in a single show high levels of competition and success. Only 36 debaters in school history have achieved this milestone.
Josh Escayg (2022-2023) -- 1,866 points
Faiza Khaled (2023-2024) -- 1,832 points
Josh Escayg (2021-2022) - 1,303 points
Kaitlyn Escayg (2022-2023) - 1,289 points
Sophie Verska (2019-2020) - 1,242 points
Will Sjostrom (2019-2020) - 1,222 points
Sienna Reams (2022-2023) -- 1,138 points
Sienna Reams (2023-2024) -- 1,105 points
Claire Lauterbach (2021-2022) -1,053 points
Logan Bjerke (2023-2024) - 979 points
Anthony Ovadje (2020-2021) - 976 points
Ephrata Tesfaye (2023-2024) - 975 points
Charlie Parker (2023-2024) - 968 points
David Kleinrock (2022-2023) -- 948 points
Sophie Verska (2018-2019) - 946 points
Faiza Khaled (2022-2023) -- 931 points
Lauryn Walker (2020-2021) - 919 points
Sydney Vance (2020-2021) - 901 points
Lianna Homrich (2021-2022) - 891 points
Elly Kang (2022-2023) -- 870 points
Thomas Vance (2016-2017) - 840 points
Claire Lauterbach (2020-2021) - 829 points
Will Sjostrom (2018-2019) - 827 points
Liam Kirchner (2015-2016) - 809 points
Kaitlyn Escayg (2023-2024) -- 805 points
Sydney Apple (2014-2015) - 743 points
Duvall Adair (2016-2017) - 741 points
Elizabeth McCall (2022-2023) - 737 points
Duvall Adair (2015-2016) - 733 points
Thomas Vance (2015-2016) - 712 points
Will Fligg (2022-2023) - 710 points
Matthew Horne (2022-2023) - 710 points
Sydney Apple (2013-2014) - 698 points
Claire Mills (2011-2012) - 669 points
Carson Algeo (2023-2024) - 668 points
Connor Fraundorf (2016-2017) - 656 points
Liam Torpy (2014-2015) - 652 points
Matthew Horne (2023-2024) -- 640 points
Paul Plaia (2017-2018) - 625 points
Katie Hopkins (2015-2016) - 618 points
Elizabeth McCall (2023-2024) - 614 points
Liam Torpy (2013-2014) - 605 points
Maxwell Watkins (2023-2024) - 605 points
Chandler Apple (2013-2014) - 600 points
Paul Plaia (2016-2017) - 595 points
Connor Fraundorf (2015-2016) - 594 points
Mia Abujawdeh (2022-2023) - 586 points
Claire Lauterbach (2019-2020) - 581 points
Katie Hopkins (2014-2015) - 564 points
Sydney Vance (2019-2020) - 560 points
Anthony Ovadje (2018-2019) - 547 points
Duvall Adair (2014-2015) - 545 points
Maggie Nahas (2018-2019) - 536 points
Rachel Thurston (2011-2012) - 535 points
Ananya Malhotra (2014-2015) - 532 points
Thomas Vance (2014-2015) - 524 points
Sydney Chung (2011-2012) - 516 points
Aman Haileyesus (2022-2023) - 508 points
Ephrata Tesfaye (2022-2023) - 504 points
Keegan Leary (2022-2023) - 502 points
Mason Bussey (2016-2017) - 501 points
Sydney Vance (2018-2019) - 501 points
SINGLE SEASON NDCA POINT RECORD
The National Debate Coaches Association has held a National Championship Tournament each Spring since 2006. Driven by the desire to host a season-ending championship tournament run by high school coaches, the NDCA National Championships has grown into a premiere national championship that attracts the very best teams from throughout the United States. At the National Championship, the NDCA awards a trophy to the top performing team in the regular season based on the amount of points they have earned throughout the regular season. This race has been referred to as the “Race for the Baker”. The points formula looks at size of the tournament and the geographic diversity of the tournament and weighs it against your preliminary record and how you finish in elimination rounds at tournaments. Unlike other rankings, the NDCA counts every tournament in the country to allow more accessibility.
Will Sjostrom '20 & Sophie Verska '20 hold the single season record for Marist School with 1,445 points. They finished 3rd overall in the rankings in 2019-2020.
Marist has had fourteen teams reach the milestone of 500 NDCA Team Points in a single season.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH MORE THAN 500 NDCA TEAM POINTS IN A SEASON
Will Sjostrom & Sophie Verska (2019-2020) - 1,445 points
Anthony Ovadje & Lauryn Walker (2020-2021) - 1,280 points
Sydney Apple & Liam Torpy (2014-2015) - 1,192 points
Claire Lauterbach & Sydney Vance (2020-2021) - 1,151 points
Josh Escayg & Claire Lauterbach (2021-2022) - 1,062 points
Josh Escayg & Elly Kang (2022-2023) -- 990 points
Will Sjostrom & Sophie Verska (2018-2019) - 881 points
Sydney Apple & Liam Torpy (2013-2014) - 856 points
Connor Fraundorf & Michael Torpy (2016-2017) - 781 points
Claire Lauterbach & Sydney Vance (2019-2020) - 769 points
Anthony Ovadje & Lauryn Walker (2019-2020) - 751 points
Ananya Malhotra & Lauren Tolbert (2014-2015) - 712 points
Josh Escayg & Elly Kang (2022-2023) -- 669 points
Duvall Adair & Thomas Vance (2016-2017) - 517 points