David Kanellis
1925-1994. West High language arts teacher and debate coach (1968-86), Press-Citizen columnist (1974-91), impacted many through his lively personality, teaching skills, and columns. A Pennsylvania native raised in Cedar Rapids, this WWII Navy veteran was educated at UNI and UI. He taught in Union, Spirit Lake and Worthington (Minn.) before arriving here. His students achieved wide recognition and, after years as a summer cop at Lake Okoboji, he taught other teachers during summer workshops. An annual invitational five-division debate at West now carries the name of this National Forensic League Hall of Fame and UI “distinguished teacher” honoree.