Last updated 1 year ago
For the second year in a row, American Heritage debaters won the University of Florida’s Round Robin Debates for Public Forum. Juniors Ethan Goldstein and Cameron Silverglate took first place, which came with trophies and a cash prize of $1,000. Cameron and Ethan debated about whether or not a direct vote should replace the Electoral College in presidential elections. Their debate rounds revolved around the fairness, the voter turnout, and the effects of each type of election system. In the final round, Cameron and Ethan won over a panel of judges to beat out Nova High School for the prize. This was their second TOC qualifying bid for Debate Nationals this month, officially qualifying them for TOC Nationals in Kentucky at the end of the school year.
The Blue Key Round Robin accepted only 40 students from across the nation, and 9 of those students were Heritage debaters. Heritage had more students than any other school accepted this year. Ariana Bagherian and Kelly Venturi took second and third place in Lincoln Douglas Debate; Ashley Wood and Emily Rowe took fourth place in Public Forum Debate, and Emily Chan, Willy Vazquez, and Hannah Esquenazi (Fourth Place) competed in Congressional Debate.
Once the round robin debates ended, the UF tournament continued, featuring debaters from about 20 different states. Senior Sami Ferazi advanced into elimination rounds for her first time, competing in the field of humorous interpretation. She acted out “Disney Mom Group Therapy” from a book by Mo Gaffney. Ariana Bagherian, Willy Vazquez, and Felix Hartmann also advanced into elimination rounds. Felix had a defining moment in his semifinal round of congressional debate when he turned a quote that another debater used, against her. She had originally opened her speech about why we should aid Somalia by saying, “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. But teach that man to fish, and feed him for a lifetime.” Later, Felix explained that that aid money she was suggesting we give to Somalia was actually the fish in her quote, indicating that we don’t need to give Somalia money, but instead, we need to teach the nation how to provide for itself.
The new partnership of Michael Wu and Jeson Wang also fared well at the tournament, impressing judges with their concise, direct arguments and responses as they debated on the Electoral College topic. Michael and Jeson argued that the Electoral College provides the perfect system of checks and balances within our democracy, balancing power between the state, federal, and local levels. Next off, our debaters head to St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and Princeton University.
For more information about our debate program at American Heritage, email coach David Childree at david.childree@ahschool.com. Heritage students interested in joining the team are welcome to stop by room 110 during lunch for more info.
Last updated 1 year ago
The emotional outcry for the mothers and children of the Myende Village, Africa, was brought to students by the nonprofit 4UGANDA organization located in Delray Beach. You may ask”Why Myende Village?” This is a location where mothers and children live very short lives. The people, the children are without immediate or long-range hope, without a lifeline of medical support, and cannot understand why dysentery, malnutrition, malaria, and cholera claim children by age five.
The student leaders of the community service arms of the school (Key Club-President David Corbin and National Honor Society President Jacob Bosses) listened to the appeal that was presented, watched an informational video, and decided the mission was urgent and meaningful enough to bring it to the student body’s attention. Upon unanimous approval, a vision was created and a plan was developed under the leadership of both Presidents.
The vision: “To build a children’s hospital as a lifeline for Mothers and Children.” A Student Steering Committe was formed as was a Parent Steering Committee lead by Mrs. Julie Peyton.
A student website explains the effort and offers a fundraising program with donation requests for amounts ranging from $25 to $10,000. It states that American Heritage can be the first school in Florida to develop their own international Community Service Outreach Program while benefiting the children of Uganda.
In addition to several first semester fundraising events, students plan a Heritage4Uganda FundRun and 5K Race on February 3-4.
Please visit the student developed web site at www.heritage4uganda.com, as well as, www.4uganda.org to learn more.
Last updated 1 year ago
As the school year rapidly progresses onward, so does the American Heritage Pre-Law Society. On October 16, the Mock Trial team returned from Denver, where they placed eighth in the 2011 Providence Cup. The Team swept two of their rounds, winning the ballots 3-0; a very impressive accomplishment, especially as it was their first year participating in this competition.
Since returning, the Mock Trial team has been focusing on and preparing for the District competition on the Florida Mock Trial case. The weekend of November 12, the Mock Trial team traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to participate in a Harvard University Mock Trial Seminar.
Over the past month the Pre-Law society has had several successful lawyers speak to them. Coincidentally the second speaker of the year, Mr. Justin Wright, has ties to Harvard University himself. He graduated from Harvard Law School. These days, Mr. Wright is the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of INTECH. INTECH currently manages over 40 billion dollars based on a mathematical investment process.
Mr. Wright introduced the students to a new aspect of law that does not involve litigating at all. Instead Mr. Wright focuses on complying with and interpreting laws, as well as collaborating with foreign countries including Thailand, Australia, Germany and Japan. He educated the Pre-law students on the importance of achieving the opportunities they want, as well as being a person with whom others want to work. Mr. Wright also gave valuable advice on being accepted into prominent law schools, stressing the point that students should differentiate themselves in some way.
The Pre-Law Society also heard Mr. Lloyd Comiter speak to them for the second consecutive year. Mr. Comiter has been an attorney for 20 years specializing in civil litigation as well as mediation. Mr. Comiter informed the students how to run for county court judge. He contrasted campaigning for election and being appointed. Mr. Comiter advised the students to get involved in the community and to build connections. He also encouraged the students to not let their disappointments get them down and to keep track of their achievements.
The Pre-Law Society will continue to strive to complete their projects and have exciting speakers educate society members.
If you would like more information, contact American Heritage Boca/Delray at (561) 495-7272.
Last updated 1 year ago
Mr. Bill Fenton, a local alumni of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, met with interested American Heritage Boca/Delray sophomores, juniors, and seniors on November 18.
Notre Dame is among the most competitive universities in the USA in admissions standards due to its excellent academic programs but is still able to provide financial aid to any admitted student. It’s famous for its “ Fighting Irish” football team and marching band. The students appreciated Mr. Fenton’s overview of the history, traditions, and opportunities available to Notre Dame undergraduates.
Last updated 1 year ago
Construction will soon take place on the American Heritage campus at the site of the old cafeteria. A three-story multipurpose building will accommodate Lower School students for arts and technology on the first floor. Middle school students will be housed on floors two and three. There will be separate entrances to the facility with Lower School students accessing the first floor from the north entrance and Middle Schoolers entering and exiting from the south entrance.
The first floor for elementary students will include a high tech library that will delight students’ imaginations. A forest of artificial trees will extend upward to the 15’ vaulted ceiling in the center of the library and, believe it or not, the look of the trees will change with the seasons! (Yes, leaves change colors.) A story time area will be featured in a cave-like grotto with an underwater theme. The $5 million dollar complex will include three interactive technology labs equipped with Promethium smart boards. A well-equipped Lower School TV broadcast center with green screen technology will allow students to broadcast from “anywhere.” In addition, a Black Box Theatre will be added for elementary school productions. A new dedicated drama teacher will develop weekly Lower School productions. Jazz, tap, modern and ballet will be taught in a newdance studio.
Middle school students will gain four classrooms on the second floor, as well as a new computer lab. The third floor will have ten additional Middle School classrooms including two state-of- the-art science labs, a Dean’s Office and a teacher workroom.
If you would like more information, contact American Heritage Boca/Delray at (561) 495-7272.
