Tara Tate, head GBS debate coach, earned the Second Diamond rank, an award that recognizes longevity and success in a debate coach’s career, October 2011.

According to Tate, she reached the minimum mark for years coaching to win the award. October marked her tenth year coaching debate.

According to the National Forensics League (NFL) website, NFL gives out the First Diamond award  when a coach earns 1,500 points. Every succeeding Diamond is awarded after earning 3,000 more points.

Students earn points for debate wins and losses, and Tate earns one point for every 10 points her students earn. She reached the necessary amount of points for eligibility at a tournament in Texas September 2011.

Senior debater Brian Henderson believes Tate, who has coached at GBS for nine years, deserves recognition for achieving this mark.

“[Tate] fosters an atmosphere of hard work and dedication,” Henderson said.

Tate also acknowledges the talented students she has worked with as a major factor in earning Second Diamond.

“It’s really hard to win this award if your kids aren’t winning and if you don’t have a lot of kids,” Tate said.

Senior debater Marc Jacome said Tate brings a balance of competitiveness and tranquility to the team.

“Tate is the driving force of the team, she motivates us and makes sure […] we love it as much as she does,” Jacome said. “She’s a good coach because you know you can talk to her about anything.”