2024-2025 Coaching Staff

Director of Forensics & Head of Speech

Mary Gormley, a six-diamond coach, began her coaching career at Montville Township High School, NJ in 1988.

Since 1989, Mary has served in leadership in some capacity in New Jersey, beginning on the NJ Executive Board, then as Secretary and Treasurer, Vice President of Speech, and eventually serving as President of the New Jersey Forensics League for 15 years. Concurrently, Mary has served on the NJ District Committee, becoming District Chair in 2003, a position she still holds. In 2018, Mary Gormley was selected as the National Speech and Debate Association’s National Educator of the Year, and was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

As a coach, Mary has had countless State Champions, National Qualifiers, and many students who have advanced to out rounds in speech, debate, Congress, and supplemental and consolation events, including finalists in Dramatic Interpretation, United States Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, Commentary, the Senate division of Congressional Debate, and a semifinalist in Lincoln Douglas Debate. Since at Delbarton beginning in 2018, she continues to work to perpetuate that success on the local and national stage.

But, Mary’s greatest joy comes from the building of community within the speech and debate world, both here, and within the NJ District. When asked by family and friends why she has essentially given up a Saturday life, the response is simple: “I see the best we can be in victory and defeat each week, assuring me that our future will be in good hands. There is no place else I’d rather be.”

Headmaster of Delbarton School & Director Emeritus of Forensics

Fr. Michael Tidd is the founder and Director Emeritus of the Delbarton Forensic Society. Fr. Michael presently serves as the Headmaster of Delbarton School.

Fr. Michael began his forensics experience in 1984 at La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, PA, where he competed in Extemporaneous Speaking and Lincoln-Douglas Debate. When he began teaching in 1991, he coached Extemp and LD at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, PA and Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, MD.

When he came to Delbarton in 2008, Fr. Michael established the Forensic Society with 8 students. In 2010 and 2011, Delbarton's Public Forum teams won NCFL Nationals and (in 2011) NSDA Nationals. Under Fr. Michael's coaching, Delbarton PF teams were in the top 14 at NSDA Nationals every year from 2010 through 2019, and appeared in the final round of NCFL Nationals four times between 2010 and 2019. By 2012, the team had grown to over 60 student members.

Fr. Michael has also served for many years as an NSDA Nationals tournament staff member and as a member of the Public Forum Debate Topic Committee. He was also a member of the New Jersey Speech and Debate League's leadership team as the Vice President for Debate and the New Jersey District of the NSDA's District Committee.

Debate Coach

Brooke is entering his first year coaching at Delbarton. She is currently a sophomore at Northeastern University, studying Computer Science and Economics. Brooke attended and debated for Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. In her career, she competed mainly in Public Forum, acquiring 10 bids and qualifying for the prestigious Tournament of Champions 3 times. Following her graduation in 2022, Brooke coached at both the National Symposium for Debate and Magnolia Debate Camps in 2022 and 2023, working in intense 2-week workshops with students to improve their debate abilities for the coming season. She also worked at NSU School during the 2022-2023 season, virtually coaching students of middle and high school ages.

Brooke is also a part of the Northeastern Debate Society, participating in American Parliamentary Debate. She holds the position of Head of Novice Development on the team. In her free time, Brooke enjoys walking, coding, and spending time with her parents. She looks forward to working with Delbarton this coming year!