Victoria Freeman — James M. Copeland High School Coach of the Year Award

Background

Lincoln High School Debate Coach Victoria Freeman was recently honored with the James M. Copeland High School Coach of the Year Award from the National Speech & Debate Association. Freeman was selected by a national panel of coaches because of her outstanding local and national leadership and her dedication to improving the debate community’s awareness and willingness to honor the accommodation needs of people with disabilities. Freeman is in her sixth year of coaching debate at Lincoln High.

Explanation

The National Speech & Debate Association has honored Lincoln High School Debate Coach Victoria Freeman with its James M. Copeland High School Coach of the Year Award.

LPS Secondary English/Language Arts Curriculum Specialist Mindy Murphy said this about Freeman:

“Victoria has been an outstanding member of LPS debate programming. She maintains a solid focus on the development of her students, as well as being a strong leader among the LPS debate coaches. Victoria devotes countless hours to ensure her program runs seamlessly.”

Lincoln Southwest High School Debate Coach Toni Heimes said the following about Freeman:

“Victoria’s knowledge of the logistical side of tournament software and her insightful judgement when working with tournament logistics make her an important part of the workings of the Nebraska debate circuit. This year, her work with virtual debate was integral to the overall success of the season. Most importantly, Victoria’s work with equity and inclusion in the debate space has made her a crucial voice in our community.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the National Speech & Debate Association has honored Lincoln High School Debate Coach Victoria Freeman with the James M. Copeland High School Coach of the Year Award; and

WHEREAS, Victoria Freeman has earned the admiration and respect of her fellow debate coaches across the state and country; and

WHEREAS, Victoria Freeman has been steadfast in her dedication to improving the debate community’s awareness and willingness to honor the accommodation needs of people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Victoria Freeman played an integral role in the successful transition to virtual debate competitions during the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Victoria Freeman is deeply dedicated to the growth of her student debaters at Lincoln High;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education
does hereby congratulate Victoria Freeman for being honored with the James M. Copeland High School Coach of the Year Award from the National Speech & Debate Association.

Updated June 9, 2021