League History
Virginia Sutherland Circle of Honor (Hall of Fame)
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Virginia Sutherland was a distinguished educator and speech and debate coach who made significant contributions to the forensics community in North Carolina. Prior to her work in the state of North Carolina, Sutherland served as a missionary in Africa where she honed her teaching skills.
Upon her return to the United States, Sutherland embarked on a teaching career that spanned several decades. She taught at Allen High School in Asheville, North Carolina, before joining Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. At Myers Park, she embraced her role as a speech and debate coach, traveling nationwide with her students for tournaments and attending summer debate programs at institutions like the University of North Carolina and Northwestern University. Virginia Sutherland’s dedication to speech and debate earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the National Forensic League Hall of Fame in 1993. In recognition of her lasting impact, the Tarheel Forensic League named the Hall of Fame after her—the Virginia Sutherland Circle of Honor. |
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Mildred Hussey Coach of the Year
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Mildred Hussey was a distinguished speech and debate coach in North Carolina, renowned for her dedication to fostering excellence in forensics education. Throughout her career at High Point-Jay School, she played a pivotal role in mentoring students and advancing the speech and debate community across the state of North Carolina.
In recognition of her dedication to the state and the NSDA, the Tarheel Forensic League presents the Mildred Hussey Coach of the Year award annually in recognition of a coach’s impact on the North Carolina speech and debate community. |
TFL Assistant Coach of the Year
John Woollen TFL Student of the Year
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John Woollen was a distinguished speech and debate coach at William G. Enloe High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. His dedication to forensic education significantly influenced the state's speech and debate community. In recognition of his contributions, the Tarheel Forensic League (TFL) established the "John Woollen TFL Student of the Year" award, honoring graduating seniors who exemplify integrity, humility, respect, leadership, and service.
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Jackie Foote Award of Excellence in Congressional Debate
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Jackie Foote was a distinguished figure in North Carolina's speech and debate community, coach at South View High School, and particularly renowned for her contributions to Congressional Debate. In 1993, she was honored with the National Speech & Debate Association's Best Chair Communications award for the then Tarheel East District, reflecting her exceptional leadership and communication skills. Foote was also instrumental in bringing the NSDA National Tournament to Fayetteville in 1996.
Foote believed that Congressional Debate was the best to showcase all that the activity of forensics has to offer. As such, the Tarheel Forensic League awards the Jackie Foote Excellence in Congressional Debate award annually to the competitor who demonstrates leadership in and out of the chamber, character, and concern for all involved in the speech and debate community. |
John Woollen Award of Excellence in Speech and Debate (discontinued)
Former TFL logo replaced in March of 2016
