NEWARK, NJ – University High School was granted a chair in Emory University's Barkley Forum for High Schools, a national honor society for debate programs, for its competitive record.
University High School earned its chair upon the success of the school's two senior Lincoln Douglas debaters – Carlos Astacio and Elijah Smith. Beginning in their junior year, Astacio and Smith have compiled winning records in national competitions.
During the competition, both debaters completed preliminary rounds at the Emory University tournament with records of four wins and two losses. Smith qualified for the elimination rounds and won both his double octo final round and octo final round on 3 – 0 decisions; finishing his Emory competition among the top eight in the nation.
Newark, along with Glenview, Ill and New York City are the only three school districts in the United States to hold two chairs in the Barkley Forum. Science Park High School has held a chair since 1990.
Founded by Vice President Barkley in 1955, a chair in the Barkley Forum is granted on the basis of a consistent record of superior achievement in national level competition.
The granting of a chair qualifies the school for automatic entry of two policy debate teams and two Lincoln Douglas debaters in Emory University's annual national tournament for high schools. Currently, 140 public and private schools in the nation hold chairs at the Barkley Forum.
The Barkley Forum also honors debate coaches who achieve national prominence as competitive coaches and ethical educators with membership in its Gold Key Coach Society. Brent Farrand and Jonathan Alston are both Key Coaches.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Check out http://JUDL.org !!