Dubuque Senior High School Teacher Aaron Dean was one of 21 recipients nationwide to be awarded the 2015-16 Outstanding Speech, Debate and Theatre Educator Awards from the National Federation of High School Speech, Debate and Theatre Association.
The organization’s Speech Advisory Committee selected the recipients based on their significant contributions to high school speech, debate and theatre activities. The awards recognize outstanding high school speech, debate and theatre directors/coaches. This year, seven individuals were section winners and 14 were state winners. Dean was selected as a state recipient from recommendations made this fall from the Iowa High School Speech Association.
Dean has been involved with Iowa High School State Speech Association for over 12 years, having managed state contests in individual events and large group for several of those years. He has been a state officer for the organization, as well as a Large-Group All-State committee member, TV News committee member and presenter at the IHSSA convention. He has also hosted judge certification at Dubuque Senior and continues to be a leader in the Northeast District of the Iowa High School Speech Association.