Coach Paik Receives Hall of Fame Honors

University School Speech and Debate Coach Peter Paik was inducted into the Ohio Speech and Debate Association (OSDA) Hall of Fame at their State Finals on March 6 in Wooster, Ohio.

Mr. Paik has coached US debaters for 20 years and coached more than 100 national qualifiers, including one champion and two other finalists; and 300 state qualifiers, including 65 students who have reached at least the top eight in the state. In addition, he was chosen to serve on the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Public Forum Wording Committee.

“Peter’s teams have had success that is almost unparalleled in our state’s history,” said OSDA Executive Director Paul Moffitt. “He is dedicated to expanding and improving the debate environment of Ohio, working tirelessly to provide opportunities for debate education to all students in Ohio. Not only do his camps offer training in traditional debate, but they also offer student need-based scholarships and offer coaches a chance to grow and train.”

Upon receiving the honor, Mr. Paik said, “Coaching is an opportunity for me to help students grow as people and improve the quality of debate. I believe there is a right way to do debate, which prioritizes learning and developing good character over winning. One of my greatest ambitions is to contribute to the elevation of debate in Ohio.”