On July 24, 2005, alumni members of the Pattonville Speech and Debate Team held a surprise luncheon to honor Randy Pierce for 30 years of coaching at Pattonville Senior High, in Maryland Heights.Upon entering the restaurant Mr. Pierce was welcomed and surprised with a chorus of “For He’s a Golly Good Fellow”. Caitlin Pierce sang “Hero” and then her sister Abigail joined in to lead the alumni in personalized versions of “On the Road Again” and “He Ain’t Done Yet” that reflected upon Mr. Pierce’s many tournament road trips with the team. Former team members Mrs. Linda Struyk Millsaps (class of 1984) and Mrs. Dana Wilson Easley (class of 1983) presented a humorous Lincoln-Douglas debate concerning whether or not Mr. Pierce should be eligible for sainthood for his devotion to education and his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of students over the past thirty years. A key issue in the debate was whether or not the number of former debate team members that later became attorneys and politicians should be counted as a positive or negative reflection upon Mr. Pierce’s teaching career. The conflict between Mr. Pierce being an avid runner and the debate team continually stopping a McDonalds for meals on road trips was also pointed out. In reflecting upon his level of dedication, it was calculated that over his 30 year of teaching Mr. Pierce had spent the equivalent of three year on debate road trips and at tournaments.

Mr. Pierce was presented with a trophy of appreciation from the Missouri Bar Association presented by Mrs. Susan Henley Ward (class of 1984), a proclamation from the City of Maryland Heights making July 24, 2004, Randy Pierce Day presented by Mrs. Benicia Baker Livorsi (class of 1990), as well as resolutions from the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate, presented by Mr. Dan Tienes (class of 1988) and a resolution from the Governor of Missouri, presented by Mr. Aaron Lanterman (class of 1989, recognizing Mr. Pierce’s dedication and service as a teacher and coach.

The establishment of the Randy Pierce Scholarship Fund was announced by Mr. Alan Ratliff (class of 1980). The fund in the amount of $10,000 was established with the intent of offering annual scholarships of $500. The fund was established through the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation, St. Louis, MO.

The formal program was completed by presenting Mr. Pierce with a rare, first addition copy, of the six book set, World War II by Winston Churchill. Mr. Pierce is a history buff and a Winston Churchill fan.

After the formal program, alumni shared stories of Mr. Pierce’s wit, caring, and concern for his students and his ability to persuade students to join the debate team.

Debate team alumni from 25 of the 30 years Mr. Pierce had coached the team were in attendance. Alumnus from Patty Woods, (class of 1976) the first team member to compete at the State level under Mr. Pierce, to Ms. Mariam Savobi , of the class of 2004 were in attendance. Out of state alumni came from Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Michigan, Indiana, Arkansas, Washington DC and even Mexico.

Over the course of the past three decades, Pattonville has earned the Leading Chapter Award four times, the District Plaque seven times, the District Trophy twice, and the Senator Mundt Student Congress Trophy once. More than 90 students have competed in 24 national tournaments. Six students have participated in Super Congress where five were elected presiding officer. Mr. Pierce has earned the five-diamond level of distinction, the Distinguished Service Key, and the Distinguished Service Plaque fourth honors. And, in 2003, he was inducted to the National Forensic League Hall of Fame.

Since 1974 when Mr. Pierce started coaching the debate team 1,698 students have qualified for membership into the National Forensic League.