Jefferson City High School Speech and Debate Coach Abigail Nahlik received a national coaching award this month.
The National Speech and Debate Association announced Nahlik as its newest "diamond coach," since she earned 1,753 points on Feb. 5.
The diamond award recognizes a professional career that combines excellence and longevity. The association provides diamond awards based on coaching points received. Coaches receive one-tenth the points earned by their students and one-tenth of the points earned as a student member of the association.
After a minimum of five years as a National Speech and Debate Association member, a coach who attains 1,500 points is awarded a first diamond. He or she receives a second diamond for 3,000 points, a third diamond for 6,000 points and so on.
Five years must pass between each diamond award.
Nahlik will receive the special recognition on June 18 at the national tournament in Dallas.