In Their Own Words: 2022 Keoni Scott-Reid Outstanding Instructor Award

By Alexa Figueroa, Guest Writer

 

As instructors began preparing for the 8th annual Matthew Harris Ornstein Washington Summer Debate Institute, the prospect of a debate tournament was at the forefront of everyone’s minds. 

Students had the opportunity to apply what they learned throughout the two-week camp at the tournament, which took place on August 5th, 2022. Following the tournament, there is an awards ceremony where students are awarded with team and speaker awards.

Among these awards, the student who goes above and beyond during the summer institute is awarded the prestigious Matthew Harris Ornstein Outstanding Debater Award.

Along with these, The Keoni Scott-Reid Outstanding Instructor Award is also presented at camp to the instructor that exemplifies the creativity, relationship building, empathy and humor that Keoni demonstrated as a debater and instructor. 

 

 

Before the camp begins, instructors must learn and prepare to teach the topic of the year, which is emerging technologies. “Before camp, I did research on NATO, including watching YouTube videos about the different sub areas (AI, biotech, and cybersecurity),” said Addie Lowenstein, a junior varsity instructor. 

Every instructor has a different approach to getting their students ready for the tournament. In addition to the technical aspects of debate, many lab leaders emotionally prepare their students. According to Niko Sims, a transition to varsity instructor, his students were worried about competing against the varsity students. “I told them that even if they lost, they would learn more and beat them in the next round,” said Sims.

The time spent at camp was filled with trips to the US Navy Memorial Plaza, spirit days, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. 

 

As August 5th rolled around, students were ready to face off.

 

Sohail Jouya, a transition to junior varsity instructor, said that he was concerned his lab would struggle to collate arguments to the correct evidence, but “luckily, they mastered it well enough to win rounds! The instructors spent the day judging and coaching while the students debated. The students’ spirit throughout camp and the tournament excited their instructors. 

Zara Escobar, a novice instructor, said that her students were curious and energetic. Her goal was to “work to give the kids an educational outlet for their already argumentative spirits!” Once the students concluded their rounds, everyone headed over to the award ceremony which was filled with laughter, joy, and tears. 

The first award of the evening was the Keoni Scott-Reid Outstanding Instructor Award. Both Keoni’s mother and the previous award winner, Danielle Dupree, spoke. 

 

Novice instructor Alexa Figueroa, was presented with the award. 

“I felt proud to have been awarded with such a high honor. Keoni was such a wonderful person and impacted me in a great way,” said Figueroa. She says that her students were initially reluctant to debate but eventually grew to love the activity. 

“As an instructor, it was beautiful seeing my students blossom and grow into confident debaters, and I hope that I can continue to do this in the future.”