Katherine Burke, the head coach of Speech & Debate at RHS, was named Outstanding Speech & Debate Educator by the National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS) on Jan. 14. Burke was one of only 21 speech and debate educators to receive the award; specifically, Burke was named section winner for Section 1: New Jersey for the 2023 to 2024 season.
Burke, who also teaches social studies at RHS, will officially receive her award at the New Jersey Speech and Debate League (NJSDL) State Championships, which are being held at Hunterdon-Central Regional High School in Flemington on Mar. 15.
“I was so surprised to win this award,” Burke said. “It is such an honor to be recognized by a national organization like the NFHS. I would not have been able to even be in the running for this without the wonderful support of the NJSDL and our home team at RHS.”
Friends, students, staff and even a former-student-turned-colleague agree that Burke’s award is well deserved; all commented on her great commitment to the club and amazing performance as its advisor.
“Ms. Burke is a wonderful teacher, coworker and coach who will always be there for you when you need her and has helped me in more ways than I can imagine,” said Nicole Nissel, the club’s assistant coach, who teaches science at RHS. “I am so thankful for her and all her guidance.”
Junior Briana Lange, the president of debate, noted that Burke’s strengths as an advisor include “fostering personal growth” and “elevating the entire team’s spirits.”
“Ms. Burke has helped me improve so much in speech and debate and has pushed me to try new events I didn’t even think I would like,” added junior Ryan Schorr, the president of speech. “Every practice, she pushes us to be better versions of ourselves and improve ourselves even more. Without her, our team would crumble within days.”
