The District Student of the Year Award recognizes integrity, intellect, and character among the student population in each district. Each coach may nominate one student who exemplifies the positive qualities set forth by the National Forensic League Code of Honor.

The award is sponsored by Gustavus Adolphus College.

This annual award, named in honor of one of America’s very finest debaters and coaches, James Unger, is awarded to the school whose Policy Debate team places highest in six national tournaments: NFL Nationals; National Catholic Forensic League; NAUDL Chase Urban Debate National Championship; the University of Kentucky Tournament of Champions (TOC); Bickel & Brewer/New York University International Public Policy Forum tournament (IPPF); and National Debate Coaches Association (NDCA).

The winning team will accumulate “Unger Cup” points as follows. Several debaters from a school may contribute to their school team total, but no points may be earned by mixed school teams.

The January Rostrum announces who is eligible for the Hall of Fame. Nominations with coach biographies must be postmarked no later than February 2, to the attention of Sandy Krueger. Hall of Fame ballots and biographies are mailed to all Hall of Fame Members and active 3+ Diamond Coaches on April 1. Ballots must be postmarked no later than April 24.

The Academic All American award recognizes students who have:

• Earned the degree of Superior Distinction (750 points)
• Earned a GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
• Received an ACT score of 27 or higher, or SAT score of 2000 or higher
• Completed at least 5 semesters of high school
• Demonstrated Outstanding character and leadership

Coaches of students who meet these requirements should submit an application for the award (form is a fill-in) along with character references and academic transcripts.