Speech & Debate Awards
Assembly Speaking Award
This award comes from a long line of previous honors: Thorpe Cup for Extemporaneous Speaking (1926), Blake Union Medal for Declamation (1935), Chapel Speaking Award (1941). It is awarded annually to a senior who has displayed a balance of powerful writing, persuasive speaking and individual creativity.
John Edie Cup
The John Edie Debate Cup was originally a Blake School award. It joined its debate partner, The Stricker Debating Cup, at the awards ceremony in 1955. Named for a Blake history teacher and dean of faculty who became headmaster in 1971, the Edie Cup is awarded annually to the debater who made the greatest progress during the season.
Stricker Debating Cup
The Stricker Debating Cup was first presented at Blake commencement in 1920. It is named for James Best Stricker '16 and is awarded annually to the best all-around debater.
Wilson Speech Cup
The Wilson Speech Activities Cup was originally a Blake School award. The first recorded appearance is at the 1926 commencement to honor lower school public speaking. It is awarded annually to a student for excellence in The Blake School Speech Program