This past week, hundreds of schools gathered in Dallas, TX for the National Forensic League National Championships. One part of the National Forensic League that I love is their dedication to reward students for simply being excellent members of society. Every year each district nominates students to elect as District Student of the Year. This student displays strong traits of humility, integrity, leadership, respect and service. The National Office then selects five to be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship and to be named National Student of the Year.
This year’s Northern Mountain District Student of the Year was Taylor Walker from Grady High School. If you have ever met Taylor, you instantly know that there is no one else that can even come to close to deserving this award. Taylor is the definition of a stellar student. As a part of her hard work and her “amazing-ness”, Taylor was named a finalist for National Student of the Year.
Last night at the Awards Ceremony, Taylor Walker was named THE NATIONAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR! To me, this award is bigger than any National Championship a student can win. This award is a testament to Taylor, her parents, her grandparents, Mario Herrera, Lisa Willoughby, and the entire Grady High School Speech & Debate team.
Please join me in congratulating Taylor, Mario and Lisa for this award! Congratulations!
In other NFL National News, Grady HS also was award a School of Excellence Award (similar to Sweepstakes at local tournaments) becoming the first Georgia school to my knowledge to ever win this honor. Grady had eight students reach elimination rounds and Lee County had one. Great job to everyone who competed and making Georgia proud!
