For nearly three decades, Federal Way High School benefited from the dedication and expertise of Lois Gorne, who taught drama, competitive speech and debate, and leadership. Under her direction, Federal Way’s forensics program became one of the state’s finest. Her teams captured 13 Washington State Individual Events Championships and four Lincoln-Douglas Debate State titles, while more than 90 of her students earned the opportunity to compete at 18 National Tournaments.

Her impact extended well beyond her own program. Gorne was widely recognized by the National Forensics League, receiving the Leading Chapter Award three times, District Team Awards on five occasions, and the Distinguished Service Award in 2001. One of her most prestigious honors was being named an NFL Five Diamond Coach, a distinction held by fewer than three percent of coaches nationwide—only 48 individuals had earned the award since the organization’s founding in 1926.

Deeply committed to the profession, Gorne was active with the Washington Education Association beginning in 1972, became a member of the Washington State Forensics Association in 1974, and joined the National Forensics League in 1977. Through her teaching, coaching, and leadership, she left an enduring mark on countless students and helped elevate forensics across Washington State.