ADSA Annual Provincial Awards

Each year the ADSA awards several awards for different achievements in Speech and Debate, at the Provincial Speech and Debate Tournaments, respectively.

Nomination forms for most awards are sent in to ADSA by coaches who believe that a student meets the award's requirements, and deserves recognition.

To make the process fair and equitable, the rules for nominating students are being revised and updated by the Awards Committee.

Ann Bradley Award - Junior High and Senior High (Speech and Debate)

This trophy is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Calgary, South. This award is named after Ann Bradley, President of the ADSA from 2002 to 2004 who encouraged both debate and speech throughout Alberta. It goes to a Junior and a Senior High student showing enthusiasm and commitment to both debate and speech. The Award was introduced at the Provincial Debate Tournament in March of 2012.

Janet Garten Award - Junior High and Senior High (Debate)

This award is named after Janet Garten. When Janet passed away, her parents from Athabasca created this award in her memory. It goes to both a Junior and Senior High student who best exemplifies the spirit of debate activities. It is not based on winning, but rather participation with enthusiasm and commitment. It is always presented at Debate Provincials.

John Baty Award (Debate)

This award is named in honour of John Baty, the first Executive Director of the Alberta Debate and Speech Association from 1979 to 1989. John as the first coach to win the Worlds Debate Championships remains a legend in Alberta. It is presented each year to the Adult or Association that makes the most outstanding contribution to debate.

Golden Legacy Award (Speech and Debate)

This Award, started in 2024 for the 50th Anniversary of ADSA; is awarded to the individual whose service and dedication to the Alberta Debate and Speech Association has gone above and beyond.

Mike Dorval Award - Junior High and Senior High (Speech)

This Award is named after Mike Dorval, who was the Northern Regional Representative for many years. When Mike died in his 30's from surgical complications, an Award was created in his honor. The Award goes to a Junior and Senior High student who best exemplifies the spirit of Speech activities. It is not based on winning, but participation in Speech. It is always presented at Speech Provincials.

Morris Brause Award (Speech)

Morris Brause was the ADSA President from 1998 to 2000. Morris was forced to resign to become a negotiator for the United Nations in Kuwait on a peacekeeping assignment (the first Canadian to serve in this capacity). It is presented each year to the Adult or Association that makes the most outstanding contribution to Speech.

Blair Ching Award for JH (Debate)

The Blair Ching Trophy was introduced in 2011. Blair was a coach for over 30 years in Jr. & Sr. High and a longtime board member. He served as president from 2004 to 2011. He co-founded the ATB Young Speakers Speech Tournament for students in Grades 4 to 6 promoting speech to several thousand elementary students. It goes to the top Junior High School in the Province using the following point system:

- 100 Points per team in the first quartile of the ranking of the teams at the Provincials (ie: if there are 16 teams in Jr. H Open and a school has 3 of the 4 teams , that school is awarded 300 points)
- 75 Points per team in the second quartile of the ranking of the teams at the Provincials in the Jr. H Open and Beginner categories
- 50 Points per team in the third quartile of the ranking of the teams at the Provincials in the Jr. H Open and Beginner categories
- 25 Points per team in the fourth quartile of the ranking of the teams at the Provincials in the Jr. H Open and Beginner categories
- 10 Points per team participating in the regionals that did not qualify for the Provincials in Jr. H Open and Beginner categories.

Martin Poirier Cup for Senior High (Debate)

The Martin Poirier Trophy was introduced in 2013, after Martin, a long time promoter of High School Debate and former National Team Coach, stepped down as president of the ADSA. It goes to the top Senior High School in the Province using the following system:

- 100 Points per team in the first quartile of the ranking of the teams at the Provincials (ie: if there are 16 teams in Sr. H Open and a school has 3 of the 4 teams , that school is awarded 300 points)
- 75 Points per team in the second quartile of the ranking of the teams a the Provincials in the Sr. H Open and Beginner categories
- 50 Points per team in the third quartile of the ranking of the teams at the Provincials in the Sr. H Open and Beginner categories
- Points per team in the fourth quartile of the ranking of the teams at the Provincials in the Sr. H Open and Beginner categories
- 10 Points per team participating in the regionals that did not qualify for the Provincials in Sr. H Open and Beginner categories

Willis Kachuk Award (Speech and Debate)

This Award started in 2010 is named after Willis Kachuk, Provincial Coordinator for over 10 years. His relentless work has made debate what it is in Alberta today.

It is awarded to the hosts of our annual Provincial Speech and Debate Tournaments.