Stoloff Legacy Award
The Stoloff Legacy Award
Every year the Spartanvitational honors a high school student for their leadership and what they give to forensics, beyond their own trophies.
About the award
Michigan State had forensics teams long before Spartan Speech. In 2013, then-freshman Rae Stoloff (they/she/he) rebuilt a team that had gone dormant, recruiting former MIFA competitors, raising money, and organizing practices and tournament trips, always bringing others along. The award carries that on.
The recipient is presented a trophy at the awards ceremony at Michigan State, and a letter and plaque go to their principal afterward.
Who can be nominated
A junior or senior, in at least their second year of competition, who is competing (or planning to) at this year’s Spartanvitational. No one receives it two years in a row. We look for a student who:
Is a great teammate
Friendly to the competition and loud for their teammates.
Coaches others
Gives time to teammates or middle schoolers.
Leads by example
Builds a positive, competitive atmosphere among peers.
Goes beyond the round
Helps with recruiting, social media and team life, and speaks up outside forensics.
How to nominate
Students, coaches, parents and peers can nominate a student with a narrative of up to 250 words on why they deserve the award. Call them “this person” rather than using their name. Anonymous nominations, and nominations without a narrative, can’t be accepted. Spartan Speech members read every one.
Past recipients
Ruby McKeever · The Roeper School · 2022
“Ruby McKeever is what every coach looks for in a Forensics student. Not only is she a dedicated performer, but is also a fantastic team player, mentor, and leader.”
Laura Moore, assistant forensics coach, The Roeper School
Sophia Burkmyre · Walled Lake Western High School · 2021
“They have the unique quality of not caring about the outcome but caring about the work that it takes to get there and the people in their life, making them most deserving of this award.”
Macy Hannan, University of Michigan
Macy Hannan · Walled Lake Western High School · 2020
“I have never met a more genuine, hard working, team player. Macy is always eager to help, whether it is reading a teammate’s speech or assisting with tournament prep.”
A nominator