Syosset Forensics Society Ranked 49th In The Nation

From Syosset Schools: The Syosset High School Forensics Society has done it again! Keeping with tradition, the team has been ranked among the best in the country by the National Speech and Debate Association. They are presently ranked 49th in the country in member strength for the 2016-17 school year out of more than 3,000 participating schools in the United States.

Every year NSDA ranks teams based on points and degrees earned in competitive and service-based activities. Year after year the organization recognizes Syosset as one of the top teams in the country. Syosset Forensics Society coach and high school English teacher Lydia Esslinger, who is a member of the NSDA Coaches Hall of Fame, credits the team's consistent success to motivated students who know that "focus, determination and effort pay off. Yes, trophies and scholarships are nice rewards, but knowing how to research, to write, to think deeply and communicate effectively are skills that return their investment over an entire lifetime."

Currently comprised of over 150 students, Syosset Forensics has a long tradition as a standout co-curricular, interscholastic activity at Syosset High School, with multiple Long Island and New York State championships among its successes. Students participate in competitions to demonstrate their public speaking, acting, debating and writing skills, as well as their knowledge of philosophy and ethics, government and current events. They are constantly researching, seeking out new material to use and practicing to stay sharp.

Syosset Forensics scored big at last year’s New York State Forensic League Championship Tournament held at Hofstra University, as the team won first place in the Speech events division, placed second in both the Debate events and Student Congress divisions, and won the award for Best Overall team in the state. The team produced four individual state champions as well: Ronit Dhulia (Lincoln/Douglas debate-novice level); Jahnavi Arora and Aram Moghaddassi (co-champions in Lincoln/Douglas debate-varsity level) and Iree Mann (Oral Interpretation-varsity level).

Photo courtesy of the Syosset School District