Cy Ridge students showcase skills at national debate tournament
Cypress Ridge graduate Nick Cugini presents his final speech of the National Forensic League National Speech and Debate tournament at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center last weekend. |
June 24, 2009 —Cypress Ridge High School students put an exclamation mark on their successful 2008-2009 school year by competing at the National Forensic League (NFL) 2009 National Speech and Debate tournament in Birmingham, Ala., June 14-19.
Five students competed in various events at the meet: Brett Gray and Bradley Rheinboldt in Humorous Interpretation; Lario Albarran and Ray Roberts in Duo Interpretation; and Nick Cugini in United States Extemporaneous Speaking.
Competing against more than 200 other United States Extemporaneous speaking competitors, Cugini became the first national NFL finalist from CFISD in more than 10 years and won third place overall. He graduated from Cypress Ridge this month and will attend Yale University in the fall.
Coach Scott Baker attributed Cugini’s success to “his undying pursuit of excellence and willingness to push further than most others when facing obstacles.”
In addition, Gray advanced to the top 60 in Humorous Interpretation and was a quarterfinalist in Prose Interpretation.
“All five of these young men are exceptional performers. Whether they advance to the national finals or not, they are all winners on so many levels,” Baker said.
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