Senior Davis George ’15 is a member of the Ridge Forensics Team, Public Forum Debate. Public Forum involves one individual and his or her partner participating as a duo debate team, dabbling in domestic and international issues like this month’s topic: “Resolved: On balance, the benefits of genetically modified foods outweigh the harms.” George does Public Forum Debate with his partner Saloni Singhvi ‘15.
Lena Li (Reporter for The Devil’s Advocate): When did you join Ridge Forensics?
Davis George: I joined RF in my freshman year, 2011.
LL: What events have you done and why did you choose to do the event?
DG: I’ve only done Public Forum, but I decided to do it because I’ve always been very debate-oriented and I’d love to do something competitive where I can research and think critically at the same time.
LL: Around how much time do you devote to Forensics per week?
DG: I probably devote around 20-25 hours per week to forensics.
LL: What makes Forensics unique or more appealing as an extracurricular activity?
DG: Forensics is unique because it involves a special intellectual challenge where you learn more generally about the world than you do in school. It involves a community that quickly bonds and becomes friends because we see so much of each other on weekends and have a mutual commitment to the community.
LL: When was a time that you were happiest in your debate career?
DG: I was probably happiest when I made the team, because originally, [freshman year], I was cut. Only with lots of hard work did I make it back during the second round of tryouts.
LL: Aside from preparing cards/research itself, what other preparations do you take for a big tournament day? For example, drinking water, wearing a certain tie, etc.
DG: I have to communicate with my partner on a more cohesive strategy for each of our rounds. I’ve also put together a set of pump songs—and I definitely drink a lot of water.
LL: What is your favorite part about being a part of this team?
DG: My favorite part of this team is the unity on Ridge Public Forum, where people on our team always support each other and are prepared to help as soon as their they’ve been eliminated from the tournament. Unlike other teams, it’s nice to see that one person’s success is by extension through all of our [successes].
LL: What kinds of sacrifices have you made for Ridge Forensics?
DG: I’ve mostly sacrificed time and sleep; before big tournaments, almost all other obligations are put on pause (except school) in order to prep. Most nights before and during tournaments, I get 3-4 hours of sleep per night which can be really exhausting.
LL: What has been your greatest accomplishment/letdown in terms of Ridge Forensics?
DG: My greatest accomplishment has probably been [qualifying] for and [attending] the TOC (Tournament of Champions) three years in a row. The very competitive nature of the tournament and experienced judges really make the tournament a pleasure to debate at.
LL: How has forensics shaped the way you are today?
DG: Forensics has given me confidence [to speak] aloud, whether in a classroom or anywhere else. It has also taught me how to think quickly on my feet and come up with clever solutions to pressing problems.
This year, the Ridge Forensics team has experienced immense success in both speech and debate, taking 1st Sweepstakes Overall at the Yale Invitational. Their success continues, with the team placing first overalls at the first and second Catholic Forensics League, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), as well as all local tournaments thus far. The team hopes to have future successes as they travel on to Villiger and Randolph as well as the George Mason University (GMU) Patriot Classic Games in early December. Go Ridge Forensics!