February 27, 2023

Dripping Springs High School speech and debate sponsor Davy Holmes was honored with the prestigious Diamond Award by the National Speech & Debate Association for the second time in his career. This is one of the highest honors a coach can achieve as a part of the National Speech & Debate Association.

To earn a Diamond Award, a coach must be a member of the National Speech & Debate Association for at least five years. Coaches earn points through team participation, student achievement, public service, and leadership work. A coach who attains 15,000 points is awarded a first Diamond; they receive a second Diamond for 30,000 points, a third for 45,000 points, and so on. Five years must pass between each Diamond Award. 

Holmes is in his sixth year leading the DSHS speech and debate program. He is the representative for Region 3 on the Texas Forensic Association Executive Council and is also on the Heart of Texas National Speech and Debate Association District Leadership Committee. He received his first Diamond Award in January 2018. 

Diamond Award winners will be recognized at the Donus D. Roberts Diamond Assembly during the 2023 National Speech and Debate Tournament in Phoenix, Ariz., in June.