"Big Bronx" Debate Tournament to be Held Oct. 14-16 at The Bronx High School of Science

NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The annual New York City Invitational debate tournament, now in its 41^st year at the renowned Bronx High School of Science, will be held at the school from Oct. 14-Oct. 16. Nicknamed "Big Bronx," this prestigious event has grown to become one of the nation's largest high school debate and speech tournaments. The hours of the tournament are 2:00 pm until 10:00 pm on Friday, 8:00 am until 8:00 pm on Saturday, and 8:00 am until 7:00 pm on Sunday.

"Over 1,000 of the best high school debaters from all over the country will compete in four debate events and six speech events," says Jon Cruz, director of forensics (speech and debate) and a social studies teacher at Bronx Science.  This year's event is the largest in the school's history. Students will come from 30 different states from all corners of the nation.

Cruz is regarded by many in the arena of high school debate as one of the top debate coaches for several years running. In 2010, the nation's number one high school debater, Andrew Markoff, graduated from Bronx Science and now attends Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.  

"The tournament, long respected for its high-quality of judging and competitive draw, has become famous for its level of hospitality and the warmth of its atmosphere for the competing students," Cruz says.

The conference's success is due in large part to the dedicated volunteers who make the event run smoothly.  Coach Cruz adds, "One of the proudest traditions of the New York City Invitational is the incredible level of support by Bronx Science alumni debaters acting as judges."

Bronx Science alumni who were outstanding debaters in their days at the school will be honored for their contributions. David Glass Class of '77 and a director of debate at Edgemont High School and former debate coach at Bronx Science will be recognized with this year's Speech & Debate Alumnus of the Year Award. Stuart Rabin Class of '84 and Robert Schein Class of '84, two of the most successful debaters in the history of Bronx Science, will present the award

The Bronx High School of Science is one of the nation's top public high schools. Students are required to pass a rigorous test in order to be accepted to the academically elite school. The school's 2,800 students come from all five boroughs of New York City. Bronx Science alumni include seven Nobel laureates, award-winning writers, directors and actors, top scientists and physicians, politicians, educators, and prominent members of the business and legal sectors.

Contact:  Laura Koss Feder
Telephone:  516-536-9187
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Bronx High School of Science