Dr. Gifford Blyton Book Award

Dr. Gifford Blyton Book Award

Dr. Gifford Blyton's name is synonymous with the Kentucky High School Speech League. His expertise in forensics is noted by the phenomenal record he established at the University of Kentucky where he served as debate coach for more than a decade. He holds the record for having won more national championships in debate than any coach since. An avid UK basketball fan, Dr. Blyton would often have his radio headset tuned into the game during KHSSL award ceremonies. He would also announce the scores to anyone interested!

Dr. Blyton co-authored a book with Dr. Randall Capps of Western Kentucky University that is the only book that has been written about the great orators of Kentucky. After his retirement as debate coach at UK, Dr. Blyton took on the task of Executive Director of the Kentucky High School Speech League where he took an almost defunct organization and brought it back as a prospering and significant organization in the Commonwealth. His tireless efforts are the reason that KHSSL still exists today and has played such a significant role in the lives of thousands of junior and senior high students. Dr. Blyton gives money for the scholarship that bears his name as well as the Blyton Book Award.

A resident of Lexington, Dr. Blyton still tends to his rose garden at the age of 100. He enjoys hearing from KHSSL participants and loves to tell stories about his years with the League.

Those who wish personally to honor Dr. Blyton and his years with the League are welcome to donate to this award as well. Contact KHSSL for more details on how to sustain this legacy and help future students.

Past Book Award Winners

2009: Emily Scaggs (Fort Thomas Highlands HS) & Molly Shoulta (Kentucky Country Day)

2008: Abby Middleton (Fort Thomas Highlands HS)

2007: Jimmy Houlihan (Central Hardin HS) & Xan Belzley (Kentucky Country Day)

2006:

2005: Claire Suzanne Forman (Greenwood HS) & Ethan Smith (Harrison County MS)

2004: Kelsey Watson (Calloway County MS)

2003:

2002:

2001:

1993: Andy Spears (South Oldham HS)

1991: Tracy Ross (Calloway County HS) & Melody Parker (Calloway County MS)

1989: Robbie Smotherman (Bardstown HS)

1988: Lanie Howell (Murray HS)

1987: Stacey Johnson (Barren County HS)

1986: Michelle Garland (Murray HS) & Dana Marie Taylor (Bardstown MS)

1985: John Sheffield (Jessamine County HS) & Patricia Baxter (Morton JHS)

1984: Julie Jones (Harrison County HS) & Lori Anne England (Austin-Tracy)

1983: Kathryn Burgess McKee (Harrison County HS) & Wendy Parker (Calloway County MS)

1982: Kellie Overby (Murray HS) & Amy Bracey (Glasgow Junior HS)

1981: Lewis Bossing (Murray HS)

 

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