Nadeem Farooqi Debater of Excellence Award

Nadeem Farooqi '11 was one of the best examples of what makes Damien Debate special. Nadeem excelled competitively, finishing his senior year at Damien as a semi-finalist at the Tournament of Champions. However, Nadeem took home a more important award that year: the Julia Burke award. That award recognizes a debater with a commitment to helping others and who shows love and respect for the debate community without letting the pressures of competition create antagonism.

Nadeem unfortunately passed away on on December 4^th, 2020.

Damien Debate commemorates Nadeem by awarding a senior debater competing and/or judging at the Chuck Ballingall Memorial with the Nadeem Farooqi Debater of Excellence Award.

Past award winners include Madelyn Wold of Meadows, Stephen Lewis of Damien, and Joseph Hong of Damien.

We accept nominations for the award every year and select a winner who we believe most closely embodies the core attributes that defined Nadeem. Please submit a nomination that shares relevant information of the nominee's strengths in the following aspects:

1. Excellence in debate: Nadeem was an integral part of Damien's success in the early 2010's. Please describe the nominee’s competitive success or their contribute to your team's success.

2. Academic excellence: Nadeem’s excellence extended past debate to general academic excellence as valedictorian of his class. Please submit an unofficial transcript of your nominee or describe ways in which they embody the qualities of a true scholar.

3. Culture: Mental health was a central aspect of Nadeem’s advocacy, professional, and community care work. As a Julia Burke award winner, Nadeem lived this himself and embodied an ideal teammate and friend to everyone around him. Please share information regarding how the nominee positively contributes to the mental health and culture of your team and contributes positively to your school's community.

Please send your nominations to cparedes@damien-hs.edu no later than September 2nd, 2024. The award recipient will be determined by a committee including members of Nadeem’s family and the Damien Debate coaching staff.