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Parker School in Waimea has announced that Rachel Wilczewski, upper school debate director and middle school humanities teacher, is one of just 15 coaches in the nation to receive the prestigious 5 Diamond Award from the National Speech &Debate Association.

The Diamond Coach Awards recognize coaches who have made a lasting impact on speech and debate by earning points through student success and leadership. Achieving a 5 Diamond Award requires a coach to accumulate at least 105,000 points over decades, making it one of the highest honors in the national debate community.

“Debate is about more than just competition — it’s about shaping students into confident, articulate and critical thinkers,” said Wilczewski in a press release. “I am honored to receive this recognition, but even more grateful for the opportunity to mentor so many incredible students over the years.”

Under Wilczewski’s leadership, Parker School’s longtime debate program continues to thrive, producing nationally recognized competitors and fostering a culture of excellence in speech and argumentation. Her leadership helps students develop public speaking, research and analytical skills that prepare them for success in college and beyond. The National Speech &Debate Association is the largest interscholastic speech and debate organization in the United States, founded in 1925.