Lana Abbott '86 Earns NSDA Coach of Year Distinction for Service to Mount

Michelle H. Daino
The National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) recently named Lana Abbott of Piscataway the District New Coach of the Year for her dedication and service to the Forensic Speech & Debate Team at Mount Saint Mary Academy (MSMA). Mrs. Abbott, a 1986 graduate of the Academy, was nominated by John Maldonado, MSMA English teacher, and she is the mother of senior Emily Abbott.

Mr. Maldonado, who noted that the district covers the entire state of New Jersey, added that Mrs. Abbott’s nomination will now be forwarded to the NSDA for consideration for national recognition.

Mary Gormley, NSDA New Jersey District Chair, stated that Mrs. Abbott’s “dedication to (the Mount’s) girls embodies the values” of the NSDA, and that “It is so very obvious how much (our) girls truly love” Mrs. Abbott.

“I want to thank Mrs. Abbott for all of her very, very hard work this year,” said Mr. Maldonado. “Our program would not be able to run, let along be successful, without everything she has done for our girls.”

Mrs. Abbott shared, “I am so proud to be an alumna of Mount Saint Mary Academy, parent of a graduating senior, and coach of the Mount’s Forensics Team. Our well-spoken young ladies and my co-coach, Mr. Maldonado, surprised me with this nomination. I was overwhelmed to find out that I had won this prestigious award.”

“Our team is like a very close family,” she said, “and I am so blessed in how they supported each other and myself in all our accomplishments this year.”

Members of the MSMA Forensic Speech & Debate Team shared sentiments of praise and gratitude for Mrs. Abbott.

"Mrs. Abbott without exception attempt's her best to construct every meeting and competition unmemorable, in a way that in the future we can uphold the fond memories of when we worked together as a team, guided by an exceptional and outstanding coach,” stated Melissa Ramirez '24, Secretary of the Speech & Debate Team. “Mrs. Abbott, who radiates a positive attitude, guides us with her brilliance, and casts on her passion of leading women into success."

Mikayla Sharif '24 added, “Mrs. Abbott is constantly showing us how much she cares and appreciates our hard work. Whenever we aren’t feeling confident before a competition, she reminds our team of how talented and extraordinary we are. I wouldn’t have been able to come as far as I have without her as a coach.”

Victoria Fekete '24 of Livingston said, “Mrs. Abbott has done so much to nurture this team, and I’m grateful for the hard work she puts into scheduling tournaments, judging, and especially surprising us with little gifts each competition! Personally, she has motivated me and been an endless giver of support even when I don’t perform my best, and has helped me become a confident, strong speaker and debater. I will forever remember her words of encouragement and kindness!”

"Mrs. Abbott has been an incredible coach for our Speech and Debate team this season,” said Emily Abbott '22. “We have learned and grown so much as a team under her guidance. I'm so grateful for everything that she's done to help us reach our full potential and have an amazing season!"

Aayushi Arvikar noted, “Mrs. Abbott approaches everything she does with a smile, and she has taught us to do the same. Whether we win or lose, we can count on Mrs. Abbott to be by our side, cheering us on.”
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