A former student competitor from Indiana, Derek has spent more than 30 years shaping the Gabrielino team into a powerhouse program. He holds six NSDA Diamond Awards and has led the Screamin’ Eagles to 28 consecutive appearances at the National Tournament. His students have earned five national titles, and for more than 15 years, the team has ranked among the top 20 in the nation. In 2017, Gabrielino received the prestigious Bruno E. Jacob/Pi Kappa Delta Trophy for the most cumulative rounds at Nationals.
Beyond the classroom, Derek has served in numerous leadership roles, including chair of the NSDA East LA District and Vice President of the Southern California Debate League. He was named National Coach of the Year in 2003 and received the CHSSA Service Above Self Award in 2023, a testament to his lasting contributions to the speech and debate community.
Respected and admired, Derek’s legacy lies not just in accolades, but in the lives of the students he’s inspired and the community he continues to serve with excellence.