University HS Granted Barkley Forum Chair

By Brent Farrand

February 2, 2010 - The Newark debate program reached another milestone this weekend. Based upon outstanding competitive record, University High School was granted a chair in Emory University's prestigious Barkley Forum for High Schools. The chair is active as of January 31, 2010.

This achievement makes Newark only one of three school districts in the United States to hold two chairs in the Barkley Forum - Glenview, Ill and New York City are the other two. Science Park High School has held a chair since 1990.

The Barkley Forum is a national honor society for high school debate programs 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 is not only a symbolic honor but also 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 not only as competitive coaches but more importantly as ethical educators with membership in its Gold Key Coach Society. Brent Farrand (1992 inductee) and Jonathan Alston (2006 inductee) are both Key Coaches.

University High School earned its chair largely upon the outstanding success of the schools two senior Lincoln Douglas debaters - Carlos Astacio and Elijah Smith. Beginning in their junior year, Carlos and Elijah have compiled winning records in national competitions. This weekend,both debaters completed preliminary rounds at the Emory University tournament with records of 4 wins and 2 losses. Elijah Smith qualified for the elimination rounds and won both his double octo final round and octo final round on 3 - 0 decisions. He lost his quarterfinal round to Glenbrook North HS of Illinios, finishing his Emory competition among the top 8 in the nation.

Congratulations to Elijah Smith, Carlos Astacio, coach Miriam Rosenbaum and Principal Claude Bey on the national recognition of their superlative achievement.