The Matthew Harris Ornstein Outstanding Debater Award is one of the most prestigious awards we give out all year. It recognizes students who go above and beyond during the summer institute, demonstrating the sportsmanship, humor, hard work, personal growth, leadership, and competitive success that defined Matthew.

​Any student is eligible to receive the award, even first year novices who are attending debate camp for the first time. Every lab leader nominates a single student, and the winner is chosen from among those nominees. A student can’t be nominated if they have already won the award.