Ridge HS Forensics announces Summer Institute in Speech and Debate

The Ridge Forensics Team, the interscholastic speech and debate team for Ridge High School is excited to announce their Summer Institute in Speech and Debate for students entering grades 7 through 9. The institute will take place at Ridge High School on July 25th through July 29th between the hours of 9:00am and 3:00pm. The workshops will be taught by the Ridge Forensics coaching staff along with members of the state championship team.

David Yastremski, director of the Ridge Forensics Team, states, “our institute is not just for students who are interested in competing at speech and debate tournaments; we will engage students, of all interests and academic levels, in various speaking and listening activities. After the institute, we hope the students leave as more confident speakers and communicators, ready to apply those skills in their classes, activities, and beyond.”

The workshops will focus on developing confidence in a variety of speaking situations. Danielle Presuto, Language Arts teacher at Ridge and assistant coach of the team, states, “competitive forensics includes three genres of events: public speaking, debate, and interpretative reading. All students will have the opportunity to try the different events out, perhaps finding one they would like to focus on in the future.”

The institute will feature lectures, workshops, individual coaching sessions, and social activities that will help students practice and polish their skills.

Stephanie Fletcher, assistant coach of the team, adds “middle school forensics programs continue to grow and develop in our area, especially with the recent addition of the William Annin Middle School Speech and Debate Club. For those students who are interested in competing, the institute will provide an opportunity to work with the Ridge team to help develop a competitive edge. Whether competing or not, all students will have the opportunity to develop their skills as confident communicators in a fun and exciting environment!”

Details and registration information can be downloaded at www.RidgeForensics.com.