Tue, 04/13/2021
LAWRENCE University of Kansas student Azja Butler, of Lansing, was named the winner of the National Debater of the Year Award, and assistant coach Jyleesa Hampton was named the winner of the Graduate Student Coach of the Year Award by the Cross Examination Debate Association at an awards ceremony April 11.
The Brian Johnston National Debater of the Year Award is designed to recognize a student who demonstrates competitive success and a commitment to represent the highest values of the debate community. Last week Butler won the top individual debater award at the National Debate Tournament.
“Azja earned this recognition from the college debate community based not only on her outstanding debate skills but also because of her character and commitment to the ideals of the community, said Scott Harris, the David. B. Pittaway Director of Debate at KU. She is an individual who applies her debate skills to public advocacy to make the community around her a better