Oak Knoll School Students Compete in State Forensics Competition

 students Grace Jagoe '16, Valerie Riccardi '16 of Chatham and Maggie Burd '16 of Summit competed in the School Consortium of New Jersey Forensics Competition on Jan. 11.

"It’s great for the girls to have opportunities to practice public speaking in these forensics competitions," said Kelly Ross, chair of the Upper School English department. "I’m so proud of their poise and professionalism."

Upper School students have the opportunity to practice forensics throughout the year by participating in the Forensics Club and competing at other events.

"I realized through the experience of going to the forensic consortium that nobody should be afraid of public speaking," Valerie said. "By starting off in small groups, and then by making it into the larger group, I gained confidence in myself."

Both Valerie and Maggie advanced to the final round of competition in the category of interpretive reading. Maggie placed second overall.

"I think forensics is a good opportunity because it helps with public speaking and helps when you have to present class projects and do presentations," Maggie said.