By Whitney Barnes
Staff Writer

Paul Gieringer, a dedicated and beloved teacher and debate coach at Marshall High School, has recently received the prestigious 9th Diamond Award from the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA). This honor is reserved for only seven coaches in the association’s 104-year history, a testament to the profound impact he has had on the lives of countless students.

According to its website, the NSDA has recognized the dedication of coaches through their achievements in speech and debate since 1925, The Diamond Award is one of the highest honors a coach can achieve as a part of the NSDA.

Gieringer’s successful coaching career is reflected not only in the number of awards he has won but also in the number of lives he has shaped. His impressive accomplishments include mentoring 13 Academic All-Americans, leading teams to a State Championship in Policy Debate, and winning a State Championship in Optimist Oratory.

Additionally, he has helped 10 students qualify for the National Debate Tournament and has witnessed participants attend the State Speech-Debate Tournament for an incredible 46 consecutive years.

Gieringer’s own debate journey began in 1972 at Marshall High School, guided by Hall of Fame Coach Richard Rice. He recalled being a shy student, hesitant to speak in public but ultimately finding his voice through the challenges and joys of debate.

“I was a very shy, quiet student in high school,” he said. “And so, the debate coach got me out of my study hall, he said, ‘You like history and you like topics.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, but I don’t want to speak in front of people.’ He said, ‘Well you won’t have to do that.’ … Of course, he lied. And I ended up being in the class. I was going to have to get up in front of people, and I was terribly nervous, but I did enjoy that.”

Gieringer went on to further develop his debate skills while studying at the University of Central Missouri and during his student teaching stint at KC Center High School with the mentorship of another Hall of Fame Coach, Wayne Brown.

“I didn’t get to law school,” he said. “And I thought, ‘I had a good experience student teaching,’ … ‘I’ll do the teaching thing for a little while and then go to law school.’

Little did he know that what started as a temporary detour would turn into a lifelong passion. After spending just one year at Northwest-Hughesville, Gieringer had found his true calling. He devoted the next 47 years of his life teaching and coaching at Marshall High School.

When asked how long he intends to continue his debate career at MHS, the coach playfully asked his class of students, “Have I lost it yet, guys?”

He then responded, “I plan on doing this as long as I can. I really enjoy it. I love the competition; I love going to tournaments. I love everything about it. I have such good kids. … They work hard.”

Gieringer’s debate students participate in speech and debate tournaments every other weekend throughout the season, which runs from October through April.

“It’s a long physical year,” he explained. “These are 12-hour days. Our problem is simply we must drive an hour and a half. We don’t really have the luxury of being close to these tournaments. So, it’s a long season. We’ll go to tournaments about 10 times a year. They (also) miss class time because we have to leave early for travel. They have to time management is such an important skill that they have to learn to deal with this.”

The impact Gieringer has had extends far beyond mere accolades; it resonates in the hearts and minds of his students, who speak fondly of their experiences.

Current MHS student Piper Brunson reflected on how the program has enriched her understanding of diverse topics, fostering empathy and critical thinking.

“I think a lot of people talk about things that they don’t understand, and I think debate really helps you learn both things you agree on and maybe things you do not agree on, so you are well versed,” she said. “Going into it, it can kind of feel bad because you don’t really agree with it. ‘How do I find the passion to debate it?’ But coming out if it, it really helps you to understand your views more and helps you understand the different opinions that other people may have and why they’re valid, also.”

She also recalled being a newcomer in the debate program and shared that Gieringer’s encouragement helped her overcome her fears.

“I was really scared as a freshman last year, and (Mr. Gieringer) made it really enjoyable,” Brunson added.

Maya Mackey echoed Bunson’s sentiment, and shared that she has aspired to become a lawyer since she was young. She mentioned that her parents participated in Gieringer’s Speech and Debate Program when they were in school, and that they spoke highly of him.

“So, I decided to join it,” she said “We’re not just talking about random things, we’re talking about current events that are happening in the world, and we’re gaining good information from it. Not only are we gaining good information, but we’re also learning how to look at this information and how to observe it, and what we can get out of it. It’s very helpful if you want to pursue a career like that. … I’m able to look at both sides objectively because of this class.”

Jasmine Davis, who has been a part of Gieringer’s program for two years, shared her thoughts on the passion he brings to coaching.

“He prepares us a lot for it,” she said. “… He’s a great teacher. He keeps organized. Whenever you go there, it’s how he tells you stories. He’s a great teacher to be around.”

When reflecting on the honor of receiving such a distinguished award, Gieringer conveyed a sense of pride and reminisced about his lengthy career.

“It’s difficult to do this for so many years,” he said. “I am very proud of it. It makes me think of all the kids I’ve had — (From) … the 70’s to now — that have gone through the program, and they helped attribute to my success. I think of a lot of past students — nieces, nephews, my sister — all these kids I’ve had. One girl last year said I had her grandmother in class, so that just made me think of the kids more than anything.”

Gieringer expressed his deep gratitude, emphasizing that his main inspiration has always been his students.

“The experience was so good for me growing up and becoming a stronger person, that I thought I could share that with the kids. … That’s really what I want them to do. I want them to be strong people and be engaged. And that’s what inspired me.”

“I’ve been very blessed to have such great students and great people to work with,” he said. “I can’t guarantee the 10th Diamond, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Gieringer’s journey is a profound reminder of the power of mentorship, the importance of nurturing young minds and the lasting impact a passionate educator can have. His dedication to the craft of debate and his genuine care for his students will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that the legacy of his commitment to teaching endures long after he leaves the classroom.