8 | MARCH 14 • 2024
J
N
essay
Honoring a Teacher and Mentor
I
am writing to honor John
Lawson, a local Michigan
public educator, debate
coach and mentor whose
unwavering
commitment to
speech, debate,
students and
the Jewish
community has
left an indelible
mark on those
he has touched
over the course of his 34-year
career.
As John Lawson’s 71st
birthday approaches at the end
of this month, it is fitting to
celebrate his remarkable life,
continued contributions to the
Jewish community and impact
on the lives of thousands of
students.
For over 35 years, he has
led, fundraised and acted as
the director and co-director
of Wylie E. Groves Debate
Program. My participation in
the Wylie E. Groves debate
program saved my life and
has allowed me to excel in my
career and be in a place that I
am able to donate to causes he
and I support.
Mr. Lawson’s impact
has extended beyond the
classroom, as evidenced by
his continuous support for the
Detroit Urban Debate League,
for which he organized a
fundraiser on the occasion of
his upcoming birthday.
Mr. Lawson has
volunteered his time for over
15 years to the Detroit Urban
Debate League. He has served
as both the vice board chair
and interim executive director.
He has initiated hundreds of
fundraisers over the years,
participated in hundreds of
meetings, and has committed
hours and hours of his time
to disadvantaged students
at various schools in Detroit
so they can participate in a
speaking activity that can give
them transferable skills and
build self-confidence that lasts
a lifetime.
I am one of several former
debate students of Mr.
Lawson. I want to share my
insights and reflections on his
lifetime dedication to various
causes and his students.
Throughout his illustrious
career, Mr. Lawson has
consistently prioritized the
well-being and development
of his students, putting their
needs above his own. His
selfless dedication has inspired
countless individuals to
pursue academic excellence
and contribute to their
communities.
In addition to his support
of students, throughout
his life, John Lawson has
donated to countless amazing
organizations and he deserves
to be honored for it. He has
donated recently to the Anti-
Defamation League, Jewish
Federation’s Israel Emergency
Fund, Human Rights
Watch, ACLU and Amnesty
International to help provide
aid to people in need.
He has also donated to the
National Council of Jewish
Women in commemoration
of his mother, and his parents’
fund at Temple Beth El (Ellin,
Harold and William Lawson
Youth Institute).
He currently is leading
the Birmingham Education
Foundation’s Groves Debate
Support Fund, which my
family recently donated
to. Groves’ students need
donations to participate in
debate tournaments and
summer camps this year. If
you are able to donate, please
follow this link, https://
supportbef.ejoinme.org/
GrovesDebate.
I have personally
experienced Mr. Lawson’s
mentorship, and want to
express my gratitude and
admiration for the profound
influence he has had on me
for over 20 years and the lives
of hundreds of others.
John Lawson has truly
been a huge role model
and inspiration in my life,
and hopefully others can
recognize and appreciate his
impactful contributions as a
lifelong educator in our Jewish
community on the eve of his
71st birthday.
Sara Garfield is a Groves Policy
Debate alumna, board member
and previous keynote speaker for
the Michael and Elaine Serling Institute
for Jewish Studies at Michigan State
University. She is a digital marketing
professional who lives in Metro Detroit.
Sara Garfield
PURELY COMMENTARY
LEFT: John Lawson and Sara Garfield at Sara’s wedding at Cornman Farms in Dexter, Michigan, this last July.
RIGHT: Mr. Lawson speaking to students.