Paul Gaba
Position: Debate Teacher/Coach
School: Wellington High School
School District: Palm Beach County School District
City, State: Wellington, FL
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Paul Gaba was nominated by Sue Ann McDaniel, a member of the community.
People come and go throughout your lifetime; you'll forget some of them and remember others for a year or two. Occasionally, if you're lucky enough, an individual will walk into your life and make such a forceful impact that you will never forget them. Paul Gaba is one of those individuals.
Mr. Gaba is more than the Wellington High School Debate Coach. He is a teacher, mentor and friend, not only to the students but to the entire debate community. He has dedicated his entire life to helping students grow inside and outside of the classroom.
"I've watched him take a group of freshmen and turn them into well-prepared young adults ready to take on the world," said McDaniel. "They can not only write a speech, produce a term paper and research both sides of a topic, but they can also navigate an airport and pack a suitcase for a business trip better than any adult. Students have even learned how to budget money for traveling in a group."
Mr. Gaba prepares students for real world experiences in the future. They learn how to win and lose gracefully, but in his world, it's not about the "wins," but the experience of growing as a person and learning how to deal with others.
Mr. Gaba's classroom is a safe haven for any student in his school. His door is always open during lunch and after school if a student needs a place to feel safe. His classroom is full of amazing things that he has collected over the years, and it radiates a bright and friendly atmosphere. Mr. Gaba's not only a friend to the students at Wellington High School, but at various other high schools, as well.
Most recently, two local high schools lost their debate coaches for various reasons. Their students reached out to Mr. Gaba to assist them with helping the teams get the correct paperwork and other information needed to keep them in the league. He helped the teams prepare for local and national tournaments and stay up to date with things until their coaches could be replaced.
"As an example of Paul's commitment, I would like to highlight an outstanding young man who joined the debate team as a freshman," McDaniel said. "He was shy, reserved and struggled with disorders that impacted him mentally and physically. This year, he was a senior at Wellington High School. He was the Forensics' Path Finder Award Nominee. He qualified for two national events: The Catholic Forensic League Nationals in Washington, D.C. and The National Speech and Debate Association event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His qualifying event was Congress. He advanced to Semi-Finals in the Catholic Forensic League. He placed fourth overall in Congressional Debate in the State Championships in Orlando this year, as well."
"This amazing young man once told me that he didn't think he would ever be able to speak in public, let alone be a State Champion and a National Semi Finalist," McDaniel explained. "Now, not only can he speak with clarity and conviction, but he can research any topic, write a speech and debate both sides with confidence. This young man will be attending college in the fall, and his goal is to be an attorney and go into politics. He attributes it all to Paul and his never give up conviction of helping every single student that wants to learn to learn. He is the perfect example of Paul's life changing ability."
Mr. Gaba is a pillar in the local, district and state debate community. This year, he is on Public Forum wording committee for the NSDA. He is the Chair for the Oceanfront National Speech and Debate Association District, Vice President/Individual Events for the Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League, and 2018 FFL Macaw Region Coach of the Year. He was also named the State Debate Coach of the Year by the Florida Forensic League during the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Gaba's also a Three Diamond Coach recipient.
"Although the list of Paul's accolades is endless, he still finds time to fund raise for his team and other organizations," said McDaniel. "He sits in at all of the local government meetings to stay updated on what is going on with the community. He has been recognized numerous times for his selfless commitment to the debate community, helping with training, tabulation and upholding the sanctity of the coaching profession."
Mr. Gaba is an equal opportunity educator, according to McDaniel.
"I believe, in accordance with the National Speech and Debate Associations guidelines, that the function of a coach is to educate students through participation in speech and debate," McDaniel said. "Students should be treated with the utmost respect, and their welfare should be considered in all decisions by coaches at all times. Paul exemplifies this guideline. I have personally witnessed his dedication to all of his students. He truly practices integrity by upholding the honor and dignity of the coaching profession. He is always there to lend a hand as referenced above. Paul holds himself to a higher standard and expects the same from his students. I have never heard him say a disparaging word against another coach, student, or school."
Mr. Gaba respects officials and firmly follows the guidance of the NSDA rules, which state that public criticism of other coaches, students, or tournament officials is unethical. He also does this on a daily basis in the classroom, teaching students that you need to research all sides of issue before making a decision.
The following quote is from Mr. Gaba:
"When it comes to the future of our children, there's only one goal that matters...and there's no debate on this issue! We must, at any cost, provide our children with the tools they will need to keep the future of our great nation financially stable and insure global security for generations to come."
"I cannot think of a finer person than Mr. Gaba to guide our young people through the process of obtaining the tools they will need in life," McDaniel said. "He is a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and someone who can be entrusted with teaching them not only to be a better student, but real world experiences that they will need for everyday life once out of the educational system"
Mr. Gaba allows students to grow in a safe and nurturing environment. He chaperones them, but does not make decisions for them. He lets them think and experience the world around them while exposing them to how brutal the real world can be.
"Paul is there to guide students, and with the right tools in hand, these young people will be the ones to keep the future of our great nation financially stable and ensure global security," said McDaniel. "In my eyes, Paul Gaba is a LifeChanger because he has impacted many lives and will impact many more. He is that 'one in a million teacher' who these students have been lucky enough to cross paths with and will change their lives for the better."
Mr. Gaba taught my child only one year. However, he remained an ally and advocate on her behalf throughout high school. Always warm, welcoming, and engaging wherever and whenever we would see him in town. He knew and remembered my whole family with only having a formal involvement for one year, which is now many years ago. Wellington high school benefits from Paul, who gives generously of his time, resources, and money. How nice to be able to give something back to him with this acknowledgment.
Mr. Gaba was an incredible teacher, mentor, and friend to all of his students. I was not even a student of his, but he always smiled or waved and said hello to every student he passed. I know many people who were his student and they always spoke so highly of him. If I could turn back timw I would take debate class just to have him as my teacher!
He deserves this award and more! I know he has impacted many lives and will continue to do so with or without this award, but it is always nice to be rewarded for work well done.
When I initially started high school my 9th grade year, I knew nothing about politics. My socialization skills were scant, and I lacked friends. These are the typical symptoms of Asperger's exhibited during adolescent years. For those of you unaware, Asperger's is a similar diagnosis to High Functioning Autism that results in developmental delays in social, and communicative ability. In other words, they would be considered to have skill sets that are opposite of debate. However, after spending 4 years in Paul L. Gaba's debate program, I have become a competent communicator, and a socially active person. This is in large part due to the support of Mr. Gaba and the classroom atmosphere as a whole. Most debate coaches, if you asked them, may claim to not consider victory secondary to learning, but I haven't seen many actually practice what they preach. Mr. Gaba does. During Novice States in my freshman year, I lost completely to strong competitors. Needless to say, I was bummed. Mr. Gaba found me sulking and isolated from the other competitors and asked me how the debate went. My reply was simple:
"I lost, badly."
Yet, that didn't satisfy his query. He asked again how the debate went, this time rephrasing the question:
"What did you learn; was it fun?"
This rephrasing of the question did something that I previously though impossible due to my limited social abilities. I started discussing with him what I saw, what I could improve on, and the in-depth topics that were debated. Unbeknownst to him, had he not done this, I likely would have quit debate and reverted back to an isolated high-school life of nothing but academics. Due to this type of coaxing, I became adept at my particular type of debate and, during my senior year, secured 4th place at Varsity States.I would not have been able to do this without Mr. Gaba encouraging me as opposed to doing what many debate coaches do, which is ignore this behavior. I haven't met many people, much less teachers, who are socially aware as Mr. Gaba. Because he can understand students, possibly due to his 15+ years in education, he effectively helps his own students.
Mr. Gaba's commitment to his students extends far beyond understanding them. He routinely spends hours after school with student volunteers perusing speeches and offering advice, particularly on Wednesdays. This encourages those who desire to get better at their particular debate/speech event to ask questions and seek help. During this time, I learned how to effectively control my volume during my speech, bolstering my argument, and becoming a more confident public speaker. I vividly remember being soft-spoken to the point of being nearly inaudible. Mr. Gaba and a varsity student acting as my mentor helped me get over my nervousness and literally find my voice by having me speak over the volume of a song being played. I never was quiet when speaking after this day, as many a competitor can attest to. It was during this time that I was given a better understanding of the topics at hand that I hadn't understood during class time. Mr. Gaba, during after school hours, will host skirmishes against other novices from other schools during the beginning of the school year. He often helps out middle school students at Wellington Landings as well, offering PF ballots, student volunteers, and sometimes advice to those competing at all levels, not just high school. However, he often does behind the scene work at high school competitions when tournament-hosting schools are lacking sufficient staff. He does some clerical work beforehand by stuffing and supplying ballots, lunch tickets etc. to local tournaments. Through these multitudes of examples, it should be obvious that his contributions are vital for a well run tournament. Is it any surprise that he held leadership roles on the local PBCFL debate circuit or part of the esteemed PF wording community on the national NSDA circuit? I didn't think so.
The World needs more Gabas. The world needs more selfless people who will help others and devote themselves to education and the success of people. Oh, he also knows quite a bit about Star Wars, which may I remind you is one of the best movie series of all time if you cut out any scene with Jar-Jar Binks.
Great guy to work with and an inspirational teacher.
Our family feels fortunate to have found Mr. Gaba and have our daughter enrolled in Debate at WHS. His dedication to the students, his craft and teaching is second to none.
Changed the course of my life. Truly helped me become more confident in myself.
It’s time to recognize Me. Gaba’s contribution and commitment to his students and community.
While it’s been quite sometime since I sat in a desk in Mr. Gaba’s class I would certainly say the lessons I learned over that year in debate have impacted my life. Not only was I taught how to research, debate and argue a case both sides but Mr. Gaba taught me how to face adversity and always take loss with your head held up. At the time I wouldn’t understand these lessons and would complain about judges and other debaters, only focusing on that I lost and didn’t win. However years later I would come to understand what Mr. Gaba was getting at, life is full of wins and losses, some out of our control some within. What matters is the effort you put in. Mr. Gaba is a fantastic educator and a more fantastic person. I will always cherish the year I had learning from him.
As I look back at my high school years, it is clear to me that Mr. Gaba has had an extraordinary impact on my academic, extra-curricular, and personal growth. As an incoming freshman in high school, I lacked confidence in public speaking. Through the guidance and dedication of Mr. Gaba, I grew into a confident, articulate and well-prepared speaker. I improved my ability to think rigorously and critically. It is through these skills that I was able to excel as a student and succeed as a competitive debater. Beyond the classroom and debate competition, Mr. Gaba is committed to spreading the importance of public speaking and debate to encourage a more civil and engaged society. In addition to my academic and debate success, Mr. Gaba inspired me to use my debate skills to better my community. For the past four years, I have used my debate skills to prevent all forms of bullying, discrimination, hatred, and violence in my community. Whether I am speaking on behalf of the Sheriff’s Gang Prevention Unit or the Stomp Out Bullying organization, I have spoken to hundreds of children promoting civility, inclusion and equality. If it were not for the confidence, public speaking skills, and encouragement from Mr. Gaba, I cannot imagine being able to speak to hundreds of children about bullying and the importance of civility, inclusion and equality. The difference that I have made through my message to these children was only possible because of the role model that Mr. Gaba has been as an educator, mentor, and leader. Mr. Gaba is a “LifeChanger” because the message and inspiration he spreads to his students will undoubtedly transcend the walls of Wellington High School.
I have known Paul for 39 years. He has always had such a big heart. I knew he would dedicate his life to helping others. It's inspiring to see the positive impact he has made on so many students.
Paul Gaba made going to school each day enjoyable! Great classroom environment, and amazing teacher.
Mr. Gaba has been such a wonderful and positive role model for my son. Mr. Gaba invests countless hours of his personal time to provide a positive experience for his students and share his passion of speech and debate. My sons confidence and public speaking skills have grown and matured immensely through the support and guidance of Mr.Gaba. He is a true asset to Wellington High School. His non judgemental, open classroom policy allows students a safe and comfortable environment to eat lunch or do research. As my youngest son enters 9th grade this year he too is hoping for a positive and wonderful experience working with Mr Gaba and developing the skills and confidence similiar to his older brother!
Gaba is a great Coach for debate. For the past 2 school years even though I could not go to debates the same way as everyone else, he still taught me to debate and showed that it could be really fun. Without his class (and him teaching it) I likely would not have gained the confidence I now have nor would I have learned the joy of research, which helps not only in other classes but real life as well.
Coach Gaba is an amazing teacher, mentor, and friend to the students in his classes and members of the Debate Team. He leads by example, discussion and debate, The Wellington High School community is truly lucky to have him.
So proud of you, Paul. Your hard work, dedication and non-stop work ethic shows. Thanks for your years of service and love for your kiddos!
Gaba is an amazing man, he cares so much about his students and really invests himself in their success. Plus, he can rock a pair of suspenders!
Mr. Gaba was a life changing teacher who helped me, as well as many other students come out of their shell
Without Paul Gaba, I would not have the strong, determined, and confident voice I have today. I am far better off in life than i would be otherwise with the skills he taught me to be successful in Debate. I will be forever grateful for this gift.
Paul Gaba was my debate coach for four years from 2002 to 2006. During that time, he did more to shape both my academic and my professional development than any other teacher I've ever had. He is endlessly dedicated to his students and to his work ethic. If anyone deserves to be called Lifechanger of the Year, it's him.
Paul Gaba is an outstanding teacher who inspires and nurtures his students in and out of the classroom to reach their highest potential personally and academically. This is demonstrated by his strong dedication and integrity to his students and to our school. No matter what Paul and his students accomplish he always credits and shares them with our school. This attitude and ethic boosts our standards and morale to enormous heights. In my 25 years of teaching I can attest that Paul is truly an exemplary educator and life changer for our faculty, staff, and students.
Me. Gaba is the kind of teacher every parent wishes for her kids. I’m so glad my son experienced time in his class room.
Mr. Gaba was so supportive of me my first year in debate.
He really knows how to help you develop your strong points and how to overcome your weaknesses.
He is always ready to help anyone and his love of debate is second to none.
May the force be with you coach!
Mr. Gaba is an amazing coach and mentor. I was on the Jensen Beach debate team for four years, and we only went to 1-2 national debate tournaments per year, unlike the Wellington team who went to one nearly every month. I loved debate, and still wanted to participate, so Mr. Gaba allowed me to join him and his team on various cross country debate tournaments. He took the time to not only help me register for these debates, which was a surprisingly lengthy process, but also treated me as a member of his own team during these trips. Mr. Gaba didn't have to do all of this, since I wasn't even one of his students, but he has a genuine love of teaching, and will coach any student who comes to him that is willing to learn. I cannot express how thankful I am for all he did for me and continues to do for other students.
There’s much to be said about Mr. Paul Gaba. I had the pleasure of being a student of his (c/o 2007) and he made a remarkable impression. He is compassionate, kind, and always hard working. He never shied away from a seemingly insurmountable stress that us students could put him through and always gave his best efforts and his best foot forward towards the positive and always towards learning! It’s very rare to find a teacher that not only cares about his students in the now but also cares about their futures. I always remember him fondly in the years that have passed. Thank you, Coach Gaba, for making this Wolverine proud to have been a student of yours!
Mr. Gaba was one of the most influential educators I ever had the pleasure of learning from. He was an amazing debate coach and was always willing to lend an ear if any of us students had an issue. He is definitely one of the reasons I became an educator myself! I could not be prouder of his accomplishments and I'm very happy to call him a friend.
I tell every student I meet that attends WCHS to ensure they take a class with Mr. Gaba because it will not only benefit their education, but it will change their outlook on life.
Paul clearly cares a great deal about his students. He always seems to go the extra mile. He's a great choice; I hope he wins!
Without even having Mr. Gaba as a teacher, Mr. Gaba influenced my life. He created opportunities for other nearby high schools to attend various debate tournaments throughout the country. Now that I'm in my professional career, I realize the impact that debate has had on my foundation into a corporate role. Thank you, Mr. Gaba for all that you have done for the community!
-Kristin Tahirovic (formerly Miller)
I never had Coach Gaba as a teacher but it goes to show the extent of Paul Gaba's influence and reach that I was still inspired by the work that he did within the debate community. He was always willing to help out our team at JBHS as if it was his own and that really helped our new team and members grow. Now being an adult and realizing all of the free time that I have (or lack thereof) I have an even bigger appreciation for teachers that go above and beyond to leave an impact on their students and create a passion within young people for wanting to make a difference and Coach Gaba is one of those teachers.
I am fortunate to be not only a colleague but also a friend of Paul Gaba. In 2004, I haphazardly entered the world of debate coaching. I was in over my head; in fact, this same initial feeling of fear is why many leave the coaching realm early on. But Paul quickly took me under his wing, providing guidance, support, and the encouragement to know that I could go on. I never looked back.
Because of the foundation I received working so closely with Paul in the Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League, I was confident I could handle a new opportunity when it was presented to me: create and coach a K-8 Public Speaking and Debate program at a local gifted middle school. From there, I went on to be the first President of the Palm Beach County Middle School Forensic League, helping our middle schools train students to debate in the high school league for which Paul still devotes his time.
Paul not only stays in contact with his own students, but he is also a mentor to ALL debaters. Many of my own previous students remember Mr. Gaba fondly, recognizing the high caliber program he created at Wellington and appreciating his advice. He attends our Middle School League meetings as a liaison and helps us grow as a league. I am pleased to give a shout-out to such a caring and dedicated individual and am proud to know someone so deserving of recognition.
As I read the intro by Sue Ann McDaniel and all the other posts I see common thoughts that refelct my own memories of Mr. Gaba. 2002-03, Mr. Gaba` first year at Wellington HS, was my senior year and my 4th year in debate. I was fortune in my freshman year to be coached by the legend Dale McCall in her final year. We had a highly successful program at the time, but the next few years were very shaky as we had a new coach each year the next 3 years. The first 2 coaches did thier best but couldn't manage the politics between parents, and the expectations and demands by the students. At one point we all thought Wellington Debate might have been erased from existence. Then Mr. Gaba came. We were all skeptical of his abilities and how the year would play out. But he immediately stamped his authority and gained the respect of the veterans of the team. Throughout the year he gradually brought our team to the level of performance we craved. And I watched as the novice team, under his wing, became a dominant force. Under his guidance I was able to become a leader to the younger classmen and have my most successful year in competitions. Having gone through 4 coaches in 4 years, and seeing Mr Gaba there for 16 years now is an amazing feeling. During those years there are countless students he has positively affected, just like me, and Im sure have gone on to be highly successful in life. He has truly been in my memories throughout the years. Although Mr. Gaba doesn't do what he does for the awards, it's hard to imagine anyone more deserving.
Me.Gaba was the most influential and supportive mentor I have ever had. He is the most selfless educator and member of the community. He ignited my love for debate and helped me in numerous ways. He is an inspiration, a supporter, a change maker and world shaker.
Props to Paul! I’ve known him for years. He’s well-deserving of this recognition!
Paul has been an inspiration to all of his students. My son who is a college student now looks back and credits Mr. Gaba with his ability to write papers, discuss politics and speak as a professional. He misses his Debate days which has given him so much confidence and has more than prepared him for his career after college. Thank you Mr. Gaba for helping me raise my son to be the best he can be.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Mr. Gaba, You have not only impacted our lives but entrenched my family's life with your extraordinary limitless support, caring, and guidance. Whenever we or others had obstacles, whether big or tiny you go out if your way to adapt or help us to adapt. You brighten our day when we are feeling down, reminding us of our successes and restoring our confidences. You freely share your stories from vulnerability to conquerablity espousing change and growth.You have strengthend and emboldened my life through my son. I am a better mom because of his experiences with you. He passes on your gifts to me, as I try to listen more carefully, become more adaptable, look for successes, and speak up. Oh and how to navigate through school, airports, and dealings with people. My son has such a wealth of knowledge from all your guidance and his indulgence and persistence and has grown to become a young man, and every day I think I could not be prouder. I hope I can give back to others as much as you have given to me. Thank you for making my life even better. Thank you!
Hi, my name is Sara. I am old time former debate student. I graduated high school in 1991 with 3 years of speech and debate experience. Of coarse i had a different coach at the time. To bait with such a big part of my life that I went to nationals 3 times in a row and I also went to debate camp.
Several years ago Mr. Paul Gaba scouted me out on Facebook, as he earching for former students to help judge the tournaments. Gaba told me that I was not an average former student, but I was part of the Alma Carter and I was one of the students to help develop Wellington debate team. He even had my name on a plague! I was tickled pink that he found me and asked me to participate.
Now, I am one of the regular debate judges. is great honor to be part of this community service. Debate saved my life and kept me out of trouble and into the right social group.
I am currently studying to be a teacher and I am honored that Mr. Gava asked me to help participate with judging. I hope that I can help as many students as possible. Mr. Gaba surely will be a life saver to many students and I know that he has touched more hearts and souls then he could ever imagine. This is a great program and Gaba made it a lifetime goal to be the best that he can be, put in as much time as he needs to without hesitation and is one of the best coaches that I have seen. The school board should be proud and honored to have him as a team member. I am surely proud of his accomplishments, thus far, and I am also looking forward to many more years that he has to offer.
Mr Gaba has always been patient with students. He is kind and understanding. In guiding high school students through debate, he has personally taught me many lessons in maturity and professionalism. He acknowledges a student’s personal situation and works tirelessly to help that student succeed, often serving as a father figure. Without his mentorship and guidance, his care and dedication, I’m not sure I would be the same person today.
Paul Gaba is an outstanding educator, coach, mentor and friend. I have two very different children who participated in his high school debate program, and he made a great difference in both their lives.
My son spent four years competing seriously in public forum debate, and with Mr. Gaba's guidance, he was able to greatly improve his speaking, writing, researching and travel skills during the course of his high school career. These are all abilities that will benefit him throughout his adult life. He never felt pressured to win or bring in trophies (although he did), instead he felt supported in his pursuit to improve his abilities. Mr. Gaba created an environment where the students could learn from their experiences to become better thinkers and competitors, and as well as feeling like members of a team. My son was also a musician throughout high school, and Mr. Gaba would come out to football games and concerts on his own time to support his students even outside the debate program. Actually, the concept of "his own time" doesn't seem to exist. The amount of time outside of regular school hours that Paul devotes to his students, colleagues and the debate program in general is astounding.
My daughter had a very different experience. She spent two years in debate, and came into the program unsure of where she wanted it to take her. Mr. Gaba helped her find the right event, partner and even scripts to compete. For her, the debate program was a great way to make friends and have fun while learning at the same time. Even though she had an older brother who was a successful competitor, Mr. Gaba never put pressure on her to follow in his footsteps, instead showing her how to make her own path. He has always supported all his students no matter how seriously they took debate or how many wins or points they brought back from competitions.
I also have a younger daughter who was greatly impacted by Mr. Gaba. She wanted to try out debate as a middle schooler, so he found her a script and supported her through her experience even though she wasn't even his student. He would let her come to his classroom and practice or even just hang out while her older siblings were practicing.
As a parent, I was also involved in debate as a judge. I attended many tournaments, and even though Mr. Gaba was always extremely busy helping run the events, he was able to keep tabs on all his students throughout. They all looked forward to the end of tournament dinners where everyone could get together and discuss their experiences. Mr. Gaba stayed so positive even when there were some very difficult outcomes for his team, and always had something great to say about each student's performance and progress.
I could not be more grateful to have had an amazing teacher like Paul Gaba impact the lives of all of my children.
Me.Gaba is the definition of a lifechanger. He is passionate, kind and most importantly a teacher who cares about his students inside and outside of the classroom. I have met few people as passionate to see other succeed as he is. Though he is a debate coach it isn’t all about the trophies it is about being your best from crafting better arguments, being able to speak in public or even just becoming a more educated citizen. I couldn’t be more thankful to have signed up for debate in high school because Mr. Gaba has helped shape my life in more ways than I can count from making me a better speaker to a more read and politically active individual.
