Professor chosen as Coach of the Year for East speech team

A local professor has been named Coach of the Year for her work with the Columbus East High School speech team.

Anna Carmon, who is director of the Communication Studies program at IUPUC , has been named the National Speech and Debate Association Coach of the Year for the Hoosier Heartland District, according to the university.

Columbus East qualified four students for the national tournament, its most successful year in team history. But Carmon was also singled out for her work assisting the entire district navigating the technological challenges of a completely virtual season.

Carmon has been attending Columbus East practices for more than 10 years. She said the students learn more than just speaking, but also how to present themselves professionally, critical thinking skills, civic awareness and civic engagement.

The district includes 13 high schools across the state. More than 125 students participated in the first virtual speech tournament, traditionally held at IUPUC in December each year.