Established in 2002, the award recognizes the college policy debater who displays passion for debate, a commitment to helping others, love and respect for the American Debate Association policy debate community and dedication to maintaining friendships in the face of competition. The recipient is recognized with a personal trophy and a $2,000 donation to the charity of choice. Young selected the nonprofit She Should Run, aimed at getting more women involved in politics and public leadership.
“The award serves as recognition that our debaters have shown character and goodwill in the heat of competition,” said Adrienne Brovero, director of UMW’s Debate Team. “Mariah exemplifies all those qualities.”
A political science and journalism double major from Chesapeake, Va., Young has been a member of the debate team for all four years of her education at UMW. In addition to participating in dozens of public debates, she has participated in the Madison Cup Debates and the Randolph-Macon Washington-Franklin Cup Debates. In 2013, Young represented UMW in a public debate on the presidential war powers sponsored by George Washington University and the Miller Center for Public Affairs of the University of Virginia.
“She is a leader and a mentor among her teammates,” said Brovero. “The compassion, friendliness and selflessness she has exhibited with her teammates and her competitors provided our squad and others with an excellent example to model.”
Young also is managing editor with the Blue and Gray Press student newspaper and is a lead consultant for UMW’s speaking center. After graduation, she will take a role as graduate assistant for the debate team and will pursue a master’s degree in communications at George Mason University.
According to Young, UMW’s debate team has enhanced her life in more ways than one.
“Without a doubt, the team has not only made me a better student and debater, but has helped me become a better person,” said Young.
The team has seen several successes in recent years, most notably:
- 2014 American Debate Association National Champion
- 2014 National Debate Tournament 6th Ranked Team
- 2014 Washington-Franklin Cup Champions
- 2013 National Debate Tournament 5th Ranked Team
- 2013 Elysee Treaty Debate Semi-Finalists