At the conclusion of the debate, the judges chose the keynoter they believe best demonstrated "Eloquence in Defense of Liberty" and award him or her the Merrick Medal. This is considered a particularly prestigious honor as this medal is the only decoration a Georgetown student may wear during graduation that is not awarded at graduation. Altogether, the Merrick Debate represents the finest example of what the Philodemic is as a debate society and it is an event well worth attending.
At the conclusion of the argumentative session, the judges selected the speaker who best demonstrated "Eloquence in Defense of Freedom" and presented them with the prestigious Merrick Medal. This honor is notable since this medal is the only decoration a Georgetown student may wear during graduation that is not awarded at commencement. The Merrick Debate represents the pinnacle of what the Philodemic embodies as a debate society, making it an event worth experiencing.