Richard A. Hunsaker High School Student Award

Hunsaker served as President of the Illinois Speech & Theater Association in 1972. He built a distinguished 30-year career teaching speech, drama, and debate at Belleville West High School. His exemplary teaching, coaching, and communication skills brought him national recognition as an outstanding Illinois Educator. His impact on students has been long-standing, and the success of his students in speech and debate led to many State Championships. He has written and published texts on listening and verbal communication. Upon his retirement from Belleville West High School, he started a new career as a college professor and speech and debate coach at McKendree College. The Hunsaker award is given to a high school student who has been active in speech and/or theatre activities and who has made significant contributions to the community and school.

2023 Hunsaker High School Student Award Winner

Pierce McDade, University High School 

Pierce McDade, of Bloomington, Illinois, is an accomplished public speaker with interests in politics, economics, and the humanities.Throughout his high school experience, Pierce competed on the University High School Speech & Debate Team. His accomplishments include placing 4th at the 2021 National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament in Prepared Commentary, 3rd at the 2022 IHSA State Final in Impromptu Speaking, 2nd at the 2023 IHSA State Final in Extemporaneous Speaking, and winning the 2023 University of Kentucky Tournament of Champions in Extemporaneous Speaking. Additionally, Pierce took on many leadership positions in various clubs throughout his four years in high school including serving as Class President for three years and Student Body President for one year. Pierce is passionate about using communication to lead and serve others, with a focus on the people behind the topics he discusses. Pierce is attending Oxford College of Emory University, planning to major in Political Science and Economics.