Debra’s nomination was supported by interview with past

student Isaac Wright and Relieving School Principal Ms Jennifer Green. Debra felt that even though country

students were isolated they had a voice and this voice needed a way to express itself.

Thanks to the sponsorship of hardworking

organisations like Boorowa Apex, Rotary, Lion’s and the Country Woman’s Association, Debra has been able to coach her students to many successes in public speaking competitions.

She set up a regional public speaking day which by 1995 had become so well-known that Debra won a National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA).

This competition is now in its 18th year and will take place on November 18. Debra also involved her students in the National Museum of Australia’s Talkback classroom project. Through this program students met

parliamentarians, the prime minister, senators, overseas dignitaries, ambassadors and media personalities.

Student Isaac Wright was chosen to go to South Korea as part of a TV program relating to the reunification hopes of North and South Koreans.

Debra now coaches her students to Nationals level in the Rotary Model United Nations Assembly debating competitions. Many of her students have gone on to be amazing successes using their public speaking and

debating experiences as lawyers, teachers, working for senators and more.