"The story of Newark debate can't be adequately told tonight," Brent Farrand said, noting that its history reaches far beyond the room and trying to thank everyone involved would take too long. However so, Farrand did his best to mention those who have supported debate and helped pave the way for its future, as well as those who have helped him in his 30 minute speech.

Senator and Newark Council Recognize Farrand

New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez congratulated Farrand in a letter read aloud by 1995 Science Alum Fernando Acevedo. In the letter Menendez thanks Farrand for his selfless efforts with the Newark Public Schools.

"Under your guidance and leadership, the Newark Science debate program has grown to become one of the most respected debated programs in the nation with over 20 consecutive state championships," Menendez wrote.

Additionally, Farrand also received a resolution by the Newark City Council that read:

"The Newark Municipal Council hereby issues this resolution commending Mr. Brent Farrand on this auspicious occasion of celebrating his retirement from the Newark Board of Education after having an illustrious career for over 30 years. The governing body wishes you, your many family members and your friends to extend this sincere congratulations during this special occasion and wishes you well on you future endeavors."

Farrand speaks

Although this evening was to celebrate Brent Farrand's accomplishment's in the Newark debate program, he gave us a glimmer of the people who inspired him and who have contributed to keeping debate alive in the city. What follows are highlights of Farrand's beautiful and moving speech.

1. Thank You's- Farrand started his speech by thanking his greatest mentor and counsel Sister Shirley, as well as former Science High School principal Pat Restaino. He also thanked the students parents for giving him the opportunity to let their sons and daughters grow with him. Furthermore, he thanked all the guests for giving him a chance to bring the two places he calls home together: Liberty, New York and Newark, New Jersey.

2. The power of debate- "Debate is not an extracurricular activity, it's a way of life," Farrand said, referencing a scribbled note on Science High School's grand debate wing. He said that the impact of debate extends beyond the room, the teachers, or the program because debates impact is "magically powerful."

3. Stories- He said that while the story of the program can't be fully told today, he hopes that one day Science High School Lincoln-Douglas coach and English teacher, Jonathan Alston will write and publish the anthology of the Newark Debate program and that Feral Jean will make a movie of the Science High School program. He said that "your stories, what you have accomplished, far outreaches that of The Great Debaters," referencing the 2008 movie.

4. History- Farrand also said that it's important to know the city's history, which is making its way into the third stage. The first stage is the birth and ascendancy of Newark Science debate. The second stage is the diaspora of Newark Science debate, where new debate programs at American History, East Side, Newark Liberation, Newark Tech, Technology, University, and 21 elementary schools, including one coached by his daughter, Whitney, have developed.

"That's not me, that's the diaspora of Newark Science debate," he said, with a modest command. "You seeded, you grew it, and you will reach its next height."

The third stage is Newark debate's 30-year anniversary, which starts with the beginning of this new debate season.

The benchmark that he predicts will lead Newark into the third stage is when Newark will host the National Forensics league finals in 2014, where 8,000 of the brightest, most articulate high school students in the nation will compete, an idea brought up Kurt Shelton. The second benchmark is a prediction that Rutgers Newark debate will compete against Emory University.

5.Credit- Like every good leader, Farrand knows when to give credit where credit is due. His thrive relied on the eager and hard-working teenagers and adults he has worked with that have been involved in debate. He promised that he's going to write the record of who built the program. With that he called the night a launch meeting, not a retirement party. Turning around the seemingly sad occasion, Farrand offered wise words, guidance, and thanks.

6. Newark vs. Liberty- "To be from Liberty, to be from Newark, is not just to have the zip code," Farrand said. "That title, which I feel proud of, is something that you earn by work. For me, its something I have lived my life trying to live up to. That I am from Newark, that I am from Liberty. It's probably no coincidence that the airport right outside the window is called Newark Liberty International."

He makes a strong point that in Newark there are "no strangers, just friends we haven't met." He said "there is an openness both in Newark and Liberty that accepts people for who they are." Ivelise Tirado

To close, Farrand dedicated the song "No One" by Alicia Keyes, sung by Science High School debater Ivelise Tirado, to everyone. Kurt Shelton

Bullfrog Award goes to Kurt Shelton

The end of the night featured the inaugural Bullfrog Award- JUDL Coach of the Year to Kurt Shelton for his work with the University High School and Rutgers University debate teams.