NEW FOR THIS YEAR!!!
Ridge Forensics alumni, Loren Raye, will be teaching a Media Influencing elective during both weeks of the institute! We are also featuring Mock Trial and Spoken Word electives this year!! 

Steps to Register:
STEP 1: Preregister using the online form. 
STEP 2: Fill out and sign the paper forms and send payment prior to July 1, 2022. 
Checks should be made payable to RHS Student Activities - Forensics. 
You will receive a confirmation card. Further details will be released in June. 

THE CURRICULUM

July 11-15: Students in grades 5 and 6 will take a comprehensive 'Speech and Debate' course which introduces them to the three genre of competitive speech and debate activities: debate, public speaking, and interpretation.  Students in grades 7, 8, and 9 will have a selection of electives to choose from for this week. 

July 18-22: Students in grades 7, 8, 9 and will take competitive 'Speech and Debate' where they will explore the three genre (debate, public speaking, and interpretation) and choose one to focus on for the duration of the week. Students in grades 5 and 6 will have a selection of electives to choose from for this week.

Students can take both weeks for two completely different experiences!   

SOME OF THE AMAZING WORK FROM OUR 2021 INSTITUTE!!! 

Week One - 2021

Week Two 2021

Week Three 2021

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Institute Staff 

David Yastremski—​Mr. Yastremski began the Ridge Forensics program in the fall of 1997 and has led the team to state and national recognition. Mr. Yastremski has served as a Language Arts teacher at Ridge High School since 1996. He is a National Board Certified Teacher and a triple diamond coach with the National Speech and Debate Association. 

Vivek Balija—Dr. Balija is a Physical, Life and Earth Science teacher in addition to being the science instructor at the STEM academy at William Annin Middle School. He holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences, an M.S. in Molecular Biology, a M.A. in Education and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. He has previously taught in the New York City Public School System where he was a debate coach for his school debate league.

Jessica Lynch—Mrs. Lynch is an English/Language Arts teacher at William Annin Middle School.  She has been coaching the debate team for 3 years.  Mrs. Lynch is also an alumnus of Ridge High School and the Ridge Forensics team.  She strongly believes that participation in speech and debate helps students develop skills that will greatly benefit them later in life during high school, college, and in their careers beyond! 
 
Stephanie Fletcher—Mrs. Fletcher had been a professional actress after graduating with a BA in theatre. While receiving her M.Ed. She started coaching the Ridge Forensics team in late 90s. She returned in 2011 and just received her second diamond award from the National Speech and Debate Association. 
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Natasha Doski - Ms. Doski is entering her fifth year as an English Language Arts teacher at Ridge High School.  She is also the assistant coach of public address events for the Ridge Forensics team.  She has actively coached students in Original Oratory, Informative Speaking, Declamation, and Impromptu Speaking and has judged the final rounds at several national events. 

Daniel Norris - Mr. Norris is a teacher in the Social Studies department at Ridge High School where he serves as the advisor to the school newspaper and teacher of AP Government, AP European History, and Global Studies.  He is an assistant coach of debate events for the Ridge Forensics team and has coached and judged students in Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional Debate, and Parliamentary Debate. 
Students will work with members of the reigning state championship Ridge Forensics Team, including state and national tournament finalists

Loren Raye  - Loren is a Ridge Forensics alumni and State Champion in Prose Reading. She has 13 years of radio experience in the New York City and Boston area. She is the female imaging voice of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and can be heard on over 70 cities across North America. Other happy clients include Kacey Musgraves, MTV, Indeed.com, WBZ News Radio 1030, EBSCO Information Services, NBC Universal and more. 
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