Presented by the American Debate Association (ADA)

The Julia Burke Award for Character and Excellence in American Debate Association Policy Debate

The American Debate Association in conjunction with The Julia Burke Foundation established "The Julia Burke Award" to recognize the American Debate Association college policy debater who most closely upholds the combination of characteristics that Julia Burke displayed in her love for the activity. These qualities include excellence in and passion for debate, a commitment to helping others, love and respect for the American Debate Association policy debate community and dedication to maintaining friendships despite the pressures of competition. This award is presented annually at the American Debate Association National Championship Award Ceremony. The award includes an individual trophy a $2000 schloarship and a $2,000 donation to the charity chosen by the award recipient.

Click here to read the speech presented by Jon Dunn (Stanford '02) at the 2003 ADA Award Ceremony on March 8, 2003

American Debate Association (ADA) Awards

2017 RECIPIENT

Rohit Asirvatham
School: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Designated Charity: Minnesota Urban Debate League
2016 RECIPIENT

Young Kwon
School: George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
Designated Charity: Make-A-Wish Foundation
2015 RECIPIENT

Mariah A. Young
School: George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
Designated Charity: Young Women’s Political Leadership Program
2014 RECIPIENT

Tom Pacheco
2013 RECIPIENT

David Michael Woodard
2012 RECIPIENT

Brendan Benadict
2011 RECIPIENT

Ben Saunders
Designated Charity: Students Helping Honduras
2010 RECIPIENT

Cameron Norris
Designated Charity:Seymour High School Band Booster
2009 RECIPIENT

Sean Andrew Lowry
Designated Charity: Central Virginia Food Bank and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network.
2008 RECIPIENT

Mary Mosley
Designated Charity: First Booke
2007 RECIPIENT

Matthew Scorcio
Designated Charity: Action Against Hunger
2006 RECIPIENT

Shawntia Diggs
Designated Charities: Baltimore Urban Debate League Bread for the World Institute
2004 RECIPIENT

Carly Woods
Designated Charities: National Breast Cancer Coalition Seattle Debate Foundation
2003 RECIPIENT

Andrew Barnes
Designated Charity: Andrew would like his charity contribution to assist with the formation of a new rural debate league in Western Pennsylvania.
2002 RECIPIENT

Elizabeth Wiley
Designated Charities: National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Northeast Ohio Impact Coalition
2019 RECIPIENT

Alex Gazmararian
School: Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia