Lindale Speech & Debate Coach Receives National Award

The National Speech & Debate Association is proud to award J.P. Fugler from Lindale High School the Distinguished Service Plaque – Third Honors.

Since the Honor Society was created in 1925, J.P. is one of only 31 coaches (from tens of thousands) to earn this remarkable honor.

“J.P. is a leader in the speech and debate community in the state of Texas and across the country,” said Executive Director J. Scott Wunn. “His achievement of 120 citations reflects an outstanding commitment to the service of others.”

The founder of the National Speech & Debate Association, Bruno Jacob, initiated the Distinguished Service Award in 1925. The award was created to recognize coaches who unselfishly serve the Association by sponsoring new chapters, serving as a district or national officer, writing for the publication Rostrum, hosting or managing tournaments, and promoting speech and debate education.

“Service is one of the tenets of our Honor Code,” said Wunn. “By choosing to devote his talents to others, J.P. truly demonstrates the spirit of our organization at its finest!”