Matt Heimes: National Speech and Debate Association Hall of Fame

Background

Southwest High School teacher and coach Matt Heimes was inducted into the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Hall of Fame during the national tournament in June.  The NSDA is the largest interscholastic speech and debate organization for middle and high school students in the United States. 

Explanation

Since 2002, Matt Heimes has served as a teacher and speech coach at Southwest High School. During his tenure at Southwest, they have won four state runner-up titles, 39 individual state champions, 379 national qualifiers, 23 national finalists and 107 Academic All-Americans.

Matt was selected by his colleagues at the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) during the national tournament in June to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Two of the primary standards that NSDA Hall of Fame voters consider are service to the NSDA and the overall history of student success in regular-season and state tournaments. They also consider how many chapter awards the nominee has helped their school earn in their coaching tenure.

The nomination letter about Matt in part said:

“Perhaps his most endearing quality is his integrity. Matt coaches his students tirelessly, not only developing their communication skills but teaching them to be well-rounded, responsible citizens beyond high school.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Matt Heimes serves as a teacher and speech coach at Southwest High School and was recently inducted into the National Speech and Debate Association’s (NSDA) Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Matt Heimes has worked tirelessly to build a successful speech and debate program at Southwest High School; and

WHEREAS, Matt Heimes is committed to the success of students by developing their communications skills and helping to shape them into responsible and engaged citizens; and

WHEREAS, Matt Heimes is valued, respected and admired among his colleagues, not only at Lincoln Public Schools, but also across the state of Nebraska and the nation;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate Matt Heimes for being inducted into the National Speech and Debate Association Hall of Fame.

Updated September 29, 2023