HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION
The Georgia Forensic Coaches Association (GFCA) has a rich history rooted in advocacy and the growth of competitive speech and debate in Georgia.
ORIGINS & EARLY YEARS
The Association's roots date back to the 1970s, when early efforts to influence the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) resembled informal caucuses rather than a structured movement. Despite persistent advocacy, these attempts saw little success. However, in 1982, during a preliminary round at a tournament at the University of West Georgia, a group of coaches came together and formally established what would become the foundation of today’s Georgia Forensic Coaches Association (GFCA).
Throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, the Association existed primarily as an advocacy group, working to ensure that GHSA continued to support debate in Georgia high schools. However, GHSA remained focused solely on policy debate, despite the growing interest in a broader range of forensic activities across the state.
TRANSFORMATION & EXPANSION
In 2010-2011, the GFCA underwent a major transformation, officially becoming the governing body for speech and debate activities in Georgia. Since then, the Association has significantly expanded its role, providing:
Resources and support for coaches and educators.
Opportunities for students to develop research, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
Recognition programs to honor outstanding coaches and programs.
From its humble beginnings as an advocacy group to its role today as a statewide leader in speech and debate, the GFCA continues to shape the future of forensic education in Georgia.
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Past Presidents
1996-2010: Richard Bracknell, Carrollton High School
2010-2012: Mario Herrera, Grady High School
2012-2015: Jeffrey Miller, Marist School
Past Vice Presidents
1996-1998: Paula Nettles, Woodward Academy
1998-2002: Kenneth Grodd, St. Pius X Catholic School
2002-2003: Ted Carter, Calhoun HS
2003-2009: Sean Bennett, Starr's Mill/Whitewater HS
2009-2010: Lee Robinson, Lincoln County HS
2010-2011: Adam Smiley, Alpharetta HS
2011-2013: Richard Bracknell, Carrollton HS
2013-2014: John McClellan, Warner Robins HS
2014-2015: James Brock, Houston County HS
Past Secretary
1996-2000: Donald Rhodes, Houston County HS
2000-2001: Tony Jones, Houston County HS
2001-2004: Kelly Parker, Centennial HS
2004-2009: Lee Robinson, Lincoln County HS
2009-2010: Mario Herrera, Grady HS
2010-2012: Jeffrey Miller, Fayette County HS/Marist School
2012-2013: Maggie Berthiaume, Woodward Academy
2013-2014: Bill Batterman, Woodward Academy
2014-2015: Jonathan Waters, Grovetown HS
Past Treasurer
1996-2000: Martha Kelly, Dublin HS
2000-2007: Leslie Watkins, Brookwood HS
2007-2008: Josh Marsh, Whitewater HS
2008-2009: Mario Herrera, Grady HS
2009-2010: Jeffrey Miller, Fayette County HS
2010-2013: John McClellan, Warner Robins HS
2013-2015: Richard Bracknell, Carrollton HS
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Chairpersons
2015-2016: Brandon Kendall, Starr's Mill HS
2016-2017: Jeffrey Miller, Marist School
2017-2022: Mario Herrera, Grady HS/Midtown HS
2022-Present: Maggie Berthiaume, Woodward Academy
Director of Operations
2015-2016: Shunta Jordan, Pace Academy
2016-2017: Lyndsey Oliver, Columbus HS
2017-2019: Robert Walker, Warner Robins HS
2019-2022: Maggie Berthiaume, Woodward Academy
2022-2024: Jonathan Waters, Lassiter HS
2024-Present: Jeffrey Miller, Marist School
Director of Programs
2015-2018: Mary Kay Waterman, Lovett School
2018-2022: Pam Childress, Valdosta HS
2022-2023: Brianna Crockett, Valdosta HS
2023-2024: Jeffrey Miller, Marist School
2024-Present: Michael Robinson, North Atlanta HS
Director of Communications
2015-2018: Pam Childress, Valdosta HS
2018-2020: Lauren Donnenfeld, Alpharetta HS
2020-2022: Jonathan Waters, Northview HS
2022-2024: Jamie Wills, Cherokee HS
2024-Present: Clay Stewart, Galloway School
Director of Finance
2015-Present: Richard Bracknell
THE STATE TOURNAMENT THROUGH THE YEARS
One of the key motivations for departing from the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) was the need to recognize and support all forensic activities. Throughout the 1900s and early 2000s, only policy debaters had access to an official State Championship in Georgia, despite students in other events achieving national success.
In 2010-2011, the Association set out to create a championship that celebrated all forensic disciplines, ensuring that every student, regardless of event, had the opportunity to compete at the highest level. This shift not only expanded access but also reinforced the GFCA’s mission of fostering inclusive, high-quality speech and debate opportunities across the state.
QUALIFYING TO THE FIRST STATE
To build excitement and expand access to the State Tournament, the GFCA implemented a clear and inclusive qualifying system that allowed every Georgia tournament to serve as a pathway to State.
The qualification formula was straightforward:
12+ entries in an event → Top 4 Entries qualify
8-11 entries → Top 2 Entries qualify
4-7 entries → Top Entry qualifies
In addition to the regular season qualifying system, each school was also granted one at-large entry, allowing them to enter a student in any event of their choosing.
To further increase opportunities, the GFCA continued the Area Tournament model from the GHSA, giving schools an additional pathway to State. At Area Tournaments, the top four competitors in each event earned a bid to the State Championship, ensuring that students from across Georgia had multiple ways to qualify and compete at the highest level.
THE FIRST WAS A SUCCESS!
The First & Second Year State Championship debuted at Carrollton High School, featuring a full slate of speech and debate events for emerging competitors. Meanwhile, the Varsity State Championships were hosted at Georgia Tech, where the first official GFCA Varsity State Champions were crowned in March 2011, marking a new era for competitive speech and debate in Georgia.
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2011 — Carrollton High School (Carrollton)
2012 — Gainesville State College (Oakwood)
2013 — Chattahoochee High School (Johns Creek)
2014 — Lassiter High School (Marietta)
2015 — Lassiter High School (Marietta)
2016 — Calhoun High School (Calhoun)
2017 — Houston County High School (Warner Robins)
2018 — Carrollton High School (Carrollton)
2019 — Johns Creek High School (Johns Creek)
2020 — Carrollton High School (Carrollton)
2021 — Online
2022 — Online
2023 — Marist School (Atlanta)
2024 — Carrollton High School (Carrollton)
2025 — Marist School (Atlanta) -
2011 — Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta)
2012 — Westminster Schools (Atlanta)
2013 — University of North Georgia (Oakwood)
2014 — Stratford Academy (Macon)
2015 — Marist School (Atlanta)
2016 — Northview High School (Johns Creek)
2017 — Marist School (Atlanta)
2018 — Lassiter High School (Marietta)
2019 — Valdosta High School (Valdosta)
2020 — Lassiter High School (Marietta)
2021 — Online
2022 — Online
2023 — Sequoyah High School (Canton)
2024 — Marist School (Atlanta)
2025 — Carrollton High School (Carrollton)
NEW TRADITIONS!
The GFCA State Championship ushered in exciting new traditions, celebrating excellence in speech and debate. One of the most prestigious of these is The Bruce Rogers President’s Cup, introduced at the Varsity State Championship.
Awarded annually, The Bruce Rogers President’s Cup recognizes the GFCA member school with the highest total number of rounds completed at the conclusion of the tournament. This traveling award honors competitive depth and sustained excellence, with the winning school holding the cup for one year before the next champion is crowned.
PARTICIPATING AT STATE — A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
The GFCA State Championships have brought together Georgia’s best speech and debate programs year after year. Schools that participate in these championships demonstrate their commitment to competitive excellence, student development, and the values of forensic education.
Below is a historical record of every school’s participation in the GFCA State Championships, showcasing their dedication to the activity and their contributions to Georgia’s rich speech and debate tradition.
FIRST & SECOND YEAR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPATION HISTORY
| School | Years Participating |
|---|---|
| Allatoona High School | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 |
| Alpharetta High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Archer High School | 2018, 2019 |
| Armuchee High School | 2022, 2023 |
| Atlanta Classical Academy | 2025 |
| Bethlehem Christian Academy | 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Bremen High School | 2013 |
| Cairo High School | 2012, 2013 |
| Calhoun High School | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Cambridge High School | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Carlton J. Kell High School | 2014, 2015 |
| Carrollton High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Centennial High School | 2012 |
| Central Gwinnett High School | 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| Chamblee High School | 2013 |
| Chattahoochee High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Cherokee High School | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 |
| Collins Hill High School | 2024, 2025 |
| Columbus High School | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024 |
| Creekside Christian School | 2022 |
| Decatur High School | 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025 |
| Denmark High School | 2020, 2024 |
| Druid Hills High School | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021 |
| Dunwoody High | 2011, 2012, 2023, 2025 |
| Evans High School | 2014 |
| Fayette County High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2022, 2023 |
| Galloway School | 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Greater Atlanta Christian School | 2015, 2023, 2025 |
| Griffin High School | 2011 |
| Grovetown High School | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technology | 2011, 2025 |
| HEGA - Hybrid Education in Greater Atlanta | 2021, 2022 |
| Houston County High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Jackson High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2020 |
| Johns Creek High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Lakeview Academy | 2011 |
| Lambert High School | 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Landmark Christian School | 2022 |
| Langston Hughes High School | 2021 |
| Lassiter High School | 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Lee County High School | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2022 |
| Marist School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| McEachern High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 |
| Mcintosh High School | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 |
| Midtown High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Milton High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024 |
| Model High School | 2022, 2023 |
| Morris Innovative High School | 2014 |
| Mt Pisgah Christian School | 2015 |
| Mt Vernon School | 2013, 2015, 2016 |
| North Atlanta High School | 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| North Cobb High School | 2013, 2014, 2015 |
| North Forsyth High School | 2015 |
| North Hall High School | 2012, 2013, 2022 |
| Northview High School | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Pace Academy | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Paideia School | 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 |
| Peachtree Ridge High School | 2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Pepperell High School | 2023 |
| Piedmont Academy | 2014 |
| Pike County High School | 2021 |
| RW Johnson High School | 2013, 2014 |
| Ridgeland High School | 2011 |
| Riverwood High School | 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Roswell High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 |
| Scholars Academy | 2014 |
| Sequoyah High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025 |
| South Forsyth High School | 2016, 2018 |
| St Pius X Catholic High School | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2024, 2025 |
| Starr's Mill High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025 |
| The Lovett School | 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Thomas County Central High School | 2017, 2019 |
| Tift County High School | 2011, 2013, 2019 |
| Trion High School | 2015 |
| Valdosta High School | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Walton High School | 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Warner Robins High School | 2012, 2014, 2018 |
| West Forsyth High School | 2021 |
| Westlake High School | 2015 |
| The Westminster Schools | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024, 2025 |
| Wheeler High School | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Woodward Academy | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
VARSITY STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPATION HISTORY
| School | Years Participating |
|---|---|
| Allatoona High School | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Alpharetta High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Archer High School | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Bethlehem Christian Academy | 2019 |
| Cairo High School | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
| Calhoun High School | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Cambridge High School | 2014, 2015, 2021 |
| Carlton J. Kell High School | 2015, 2018 |
| Carrollton High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Central Gwinnett High School | 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| Chamblee High School | 2013 |
| Chattahoochee High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Cherokee High School | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023 |
| Columbus High School | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024 |
| Decatur High School | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Denmark High School | 2024 |
| Dodge County High School | 2019 |
| Dunwoody High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024 |
| East Forsyth High School | 2022 |
| Evans High School | 2011, 2016 |
| Fayette County High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 |
| Galloway School | 2024 |
| Greater Atlanta Christian School | 2011 |
| Griffin High School | 2011 |
| Grovetown High School | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Gwinnett School of Math, Science & Technology | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 |
| Holy Innocent's Episcopal School | 2018 |
| Houston County High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Jackson High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Jasper County High School | 2012 |
| Johns Creek High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2020, 2024 |
| Lakeside High School (Evans) | 2012 |
| Lakeview Academy | 2011, 2023 |
| Lambert High School | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2024 |
| Landmark Christian School | 2022 |
| Lassiter High School | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Lee County High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| Lincoln County High School | 2011, 2012 |
| The Lovett School | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 |
| Marist School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024 |
| McEachern High School | 2011 |
| Midtown High School | 2011,2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Milton High School | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Model High School | 2022 |
| North Atlanta High School | 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| North Cobb High School | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017 |
| North Hall High School | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Northview High School | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Pace Academy | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024 |
| Paideia School | 2015 |
| Parkview High School | 2011 |
| Paulding County High School | 2017, 2018 |
| Peachtree Ridge High School | 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Piedmont Academy | 2014 |
| Pope High School | 2012 |
| RW Johnson High School | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Riverside Military Academy | 2011 |
| Riverwood High School | 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 |
| Rockdale Magnet School for Science & Technology | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Roswell High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021 |
| Scholars Academy | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| Sequoyah High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| South Forsyth High School | 2018 |
| Southwest Dekalb High School | 2011 |
| St. Pius X Catholic School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Starr's Mill High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Thomas County Central High School | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 |
| Tift County High School | 2012 |
| Valdosta High School | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| The Walker School | 2012, 2013 |
| Walton High School | 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 |
| Warner Robins High School | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| The Westfield School | 2020 |
| Westlake High School | 2015 |
| The Westminster Schools | 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018 |
| Wheeler High School | 2011, 2012, 2023, 2024 |
| Woodstock High School | 2024 |
| Woodward Academy | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |