News Archive

(RUMSON, NJ – December 3, 2016) SCENE: Twelve-year-old Sophia, a Rumson Country Day School sixth grader, rises to a platform to deliver her final line. She subtly glances down at her partner Kathryn, who gives Sophia a reassuring nod. The audience looks on in absolute silence, captivated by the pair of student performers in front of them. “I’m going in there a nervous little girl and coming out a star!” Sophia announces as she throws her hands in the air for dramatic effect. Spectators express their praise with applause. END SCENE.

Sophia was in character when she proclaimed her stardom. However, she could easily relate her role to her personal circumstances. On Saturday, December 3, Sophia and Kathryn collaborated to secure a finalist award at the annual Forensics Festival hosted by The Rumson Country Day School. About 45 students from four schools competed for top honors in three categories, including dramatic pairs, storytelling, and humorous interpretation of literature.

“Performing can be nerve-wracking. It’s a challenge to convince an audience that you’re someone else, especially without a large cast,” said Sophia. “Working with a supportive partner in dramatic pairs allows you to tackle that challenge together.” 

Sophia’s partner Kathryn is a new student at RCDS. She credits Forensics with making her transition a smooth experience. “Not only does Forensics allow me to practice performing in front of an audience, it gives me the opportunity to work closely with a partner and make new friends.”

Kathryn’s mother Nina is thrilled with the confidence building activities that RCDS offers. “No one seems scared and I think that speaks to the program. In the short time that Kathryn has been at RCDS, she’s found a niche, formed relationships and has the courage to perform in front of people she doesn’t know. It’s impressive.”

According to Forensics Coordinator Rebecca Andrews, Forensics highlights the many strengths of student performers, such as public speaking, posture and diction.

“These are skills that our students use every day, whether it’s presenting a project in the classroom or having a discussion one-on-one,” she said. “The key is to make learning fun. We play interactive group games to refine technique. Working together builds confidence and facilitates teamwork—important qualities that we address at RCDS at a young age.”

After three months of practice, Forensics culminates with the annual Festival to give students an opportunity to showcase their talents.

“The Forensics Festival is competitive but encouraging,” observed Kathryn’s mom. “I saw students cheering on others from different teams. Of course someone is going to win, but seeing them work together and show sportsmanship…that’s what it’s all about.”

Nine out of 10 students are collectively involved in extracurricular programs at RCDS. The next extracurricular competition for students will be a Debate Tournament on Saturday, December 10 at Joseph R. Bolger Middle School in Keansburg.