Gaurav Bhatnagar Honored With 2006-2007 Wisconsin Debate Coaches’ Association Scholarship
Posted on December 12th, 2006 by Bill Batterman (Category: News, Policy Debate)
One of the most accomplished debaters in Wisconsin’s history, senior Gaurav Bhatnagar was awarded one of two Wisconsin Debate Coaches’ Association Scholarships at this past weekend’s Wisconsin State Debate Tournament. While the monetary award is small ($300), the scholarship is the most prestigious recognition available to Wisconsin high school debaters and Gaurav is only the fourth student from Marquette University High School to receive the award since its inception in 1993. The previous winners included:
- Kevin Thom - 2000
- Manav Bhatnagar - 2002
- Brian Stepp - 2003
Established to recognize outstanding forensic competitors who represent the values of the organization both inside and outside of debates, the official description of the scholarship is as follows:
The WDCA Scholarship is a $300 award presented to two 12th grade debaters of WDCA member schools who have demonstrated expertise in Policy, Lincoln-Douglas or Public Forum Debate, sportsmanship, scholarship, and leadership in school and community activities. Our recipients have shown integrity through action.
Gaurav was selected from a pool of outstanding applicants on the basis of his competitive success, community service, and good citizenship within the debate community. The following excerpt from Mr. Batterman’s recommendation letter summarizes his qualifications:
Both inside and outside of the debate round, Gaurav has proven to be an exceptionally talented young man with a love and respect for his peers and a passion for the activity that makes him a deserving candidate for recognition by the WDCA. … Despite his competitive success, Gaurav remains humble. He is respectful of his peers and is a model citizen of the debate community, unwilling to succumb to the temptations of arrogance and elitism. One of the most popular debaters on the national circuit, he is always willing to share his time with other students, coaches, and judges. … I can think of no more deserving candidate for recognition by the Wisconsin Debate Coaches’ Association than Gaurav Bhatnagar.
Congratulations to this most deserving young man on behalf of the entire Webster Club!