By JP Murrieta
The NFHS Speech, Debate and Theatre Association (NFHS SDTA) Outstanding Speech/Theatre/Debate Educator Award was first given in 1988 when seven individuals received sectional awards. Since that time, 238 sectional and 386 state awards have been presented. Added to those totals for 2021-2022 are eight sectional awards and fourteen state awards. An annual selection of a NFHS National Citation recipient began in 1989.
Albuquerque Academy’s Speech & Debate Director, Sheridan Johnson, was selected not only as New Mexico’s state award recipient, but also as the sectional honoree representing Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Ms. Johnson has led the Albuquerque Academy Speech & Debate team to tremendous success, always as a model of humility, gratitude, and respectfulness. Her contributions to the state as a whole are unmatched:She started the NMSDA Student Leadership Council, overseeing their efforts to run a scrimmage tournament and get involved in a political bid to raise money for NM debate. Moreover, she gave students from each competing school an avenue to voice their opinions, needs, and concerns.
