2025 Georgia Forensic Coaches Association Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
The Georgia Forensic Coaches Association (GFCA) is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees. These remarkable individuals have left an indelible mark on the speech and debate community in Georgia through their dedication, leadership, and transformative contributions.
J. Lane Bearden
Calhoun Middle and High Schools (2002–2018)
Affectionately known as "JLB," Judge Lane Bearden was a cornerstone of Georgia debate for over 16 years. As the coach at Calhoun High School and Middle School, he revitalized the program originally founded by Sandra Worthington Silvers and helped establish a thriving middle school debate community in Georgia.
Under his leadership, Calhoun teams achieved national recognition, including multiple championships at East Coast Nationals, finals appearances at the National Junior Forensic League, and TOC bids in policy debate—the only public school outside Metro Atlanta to achieve this distinction in the last decade. Beyond his competitive success, JLB was an advocate for speech and debate across the state, shaping the future of middle and high school programs.
His unparalleled contributions and lifelong dedication make Judge Lane Bearden a deserving inductee into the GFCA Hall of Fame.
Pamela Childress
Valdosta High School (2013–present)
Pam Childress has been a driving force in expanding speech and debate in Georgia, particularly in the underserved southern region of the state. At Valdosta High School, Pam has built a powerhouse program, earning eight GFCA state championships and the GFCA Presidents' Cup in 2019.
Her exceptional coaching has garnered numerous accolades, including GFCA Debate Coach of the Year (2015), GFCA Speech Coach of the Year (2019), and the GFCA Richard Bracknell Service Award (2020). As NSDA District Chair, Pam has increased participation across the region, fostering a supportive and competitive community of students and coaches.
Pam’s unwavering commitment to the activity and her lasting impact on the Georgia speech and debate community make her an exemplary Hall of Fame inductee.
Jonathan Waters
Grovetown HS (2011–2015)
Marist School (2015–2017)
Northview HS (2017–2022)
Lassiter HS (2022–present)
Jonathan Waters embodies excellence and dedication in the Georgia debate community. Starting at Grovetown High School, he built a program that quickly rose to prominence, earning state championships and sending students to NSDA Nationals. At Marist School, he coached the school’s first state champion in Lincoln-Douglas debate and helped grow the program’s competitive success.
His tenure at Northview High School was marked by unprecedented achievements: 46 GFCA State Tournament bids, 36 TOC bids, 22 state championships, and the program’s first GFCA Speech Sweepstakes State Championship in 2022. Currently at Lassiter High School, Jonathan continues to build a vibrant program while mentoring students, judges, and coaches statewide.
Jonathan’s leadership, vision, and impact on the speech and debate community make him a deserving inductee into the GFCA Hall of Fame.
The GFCA congratulates Judge Lane Bearden, Pam Childress, and Jonathan Waters on their well-deserved induction into the 2025 Hall of Fame. Their remarkable contributions continue to inspire students and coaches across Georgia and beyond.
The three individuals will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2025 GFCA Varsity State Championships hosted at Carrollton High School on February 7, 2025 at 6:15pm. If you are interested in attending their celebration, please email Jeffrey Miller at jmill126@gmail.com.