John McKay (1986-2005)

". . . I hope that this organization will have the capability to sponsor and support the individuals who truly wish, but are economically powerless, to maximize their participation in debate . . ."

John McKay founded the Voices Foundation for the Promotion of High School Debate. He was a founding member and served four years as president of the debate team at Menlo-Atherton High School in California. Following his graduation, he became the head coach of his alma mater.

John was one of the most successful debaters in recent history, earning nine bids to the prestigious Tournament of Champions his senior year. (Two bids are required to qualify.) He won awards at the elite MBA Round Robin (TN) and Stanford Round Robin (CA), was runner-up at the Mineapple (MN), was co-champion of the College Prep School Invitational (CA) and MLK Tournament (CA), and won Manchester-by-the-Sea (MA), the Grapevine Classic (TX), the Victory Briefs Round Robin (CA), and the St. Mark's Heart of Texas Invitational. He ended his career as a semifinalist at the TOC.

John passed away on August 2, 2005. Tributes to his life can be found here. His family and friends are committed to perpetuating the Voices Foundation in his memory.