Beginning at the annual Speech and Debanquet in 2024, the coaches award five students for their efforts throughout the season. The awards honor accomplishments throughout the season and recongize standout members of the team. The awards include the Walter Cotter Novice Award of Honor, the Excelsior Award of Honor, the TJ Riggs Debate Award of Excellence, the Alexandra Necolettos Speech award of Excellence and the Claire Nichols Award of Distinction. An explanation of each award can be found below.

Walter Cotter Novice Award of Honor

This award honors the top first year competitor on the team. The award considers worth ethic, leadership, and achievement. This honor is named for Dr. Walter Cotter who coached Lassiter’s team from 2010-2020. He was named GFCA Speech Coach of the year in 2014 and was inducted into the GFCA Hall of Fame in 2020. He earned his coaching diamond from the NSDA in 2018.

Excelsior Award of Honor

This award honors the most improved competitor on the team. This award takes into account the dedication the competitor has invested in improving their skill set since their start in the program. Recipients must be in at least their second year of the program. The name of the award comes from the Latin meaning “higher.”

TJ Riggs Debate Award of Excellence

This award honors the most successful debater on the team. The award considers the level of competition faced by the debater, records at tournaments, engagement in practice, and NSDA Points earned. This award is named after TJ Riggs, the competitor with the highest NSDA debate total in team history. He competed from 2018-2021 and served as the debate captain. He was one of the most successful debaters in program history and earned a debate scholarship to Samford University. In 2025, the Alabama Speech and Debate Coaches Association named him the Coach of the Year.

Alexandra Necolettos Speech Award of Excellence

This award honors the most successful speech competitor on the team. The award will consider level of competition faced by the speaker, records at tournaments, engagement in practice, and NSDA Points earned. This award is named after Alexandra Necolettos, the competitor with the highest NSDA speech total in team history. She competed from 2011-2014 and served as the Speech Captain. She qualified and competed in Oratory at NSDA Nationals.

Cor Troianum Award of Distinction (Heart of a Trojan)

This award honors the speech and debate team member who exemplifies team spirit, dedication, and support. This student uplifts others, fosters a positive environment, and leads by example—whether through mentorship, enthusiasm at practice, or encouragement at tournaments. Their passion goes beyond competition; they embody the perseverance and camaraderie that define our team.

Claire Nichols Award of Distinction

This award honors the most distinguished competitor on the team. The award considers individual achievement, work ethic, and leadership. This award recognizes the most valuable competitor on this team. This award is named for Claire Nichols, Lassiter’s first Speech and Debate Team Coach. She coached from 1997-2003. She adored speech and debate and dedicated nearly twenty years to educating Lassiter students. Without her, Lassiter would not have a speech and debate program.