Seniors Oliver Tam and Aidan Zusin were ranked #1 in the state in the area of Duo Interpretation of Literature at the New York State Forensic League competition.  Duo interpretation is a performance event where two speakers act out a 10-minute scene without any props, costumes, visual contact, or physical interaction but are able to draw the audience into the “universe” of their piece with just their words, actions, and reactions.  Tam and Zusin performed “The Producers” by Mel Brooks.

Last year Tam and Zusin ranked fourth in the state. They are Pelham’s first state champions since sophomore Omar Gouda in 2011. Gouda achieved the title in two categories that year: Original Oratory and Dramatic Interpretation of Literature.

Also at the state championship sophomore Isaac Lief ranked 12th in the state in the category of Congressional Debate.

828 students competed over 107 rounds of competition.

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UPDATE: The team of Tam and Zusin went on to compete in the National Championship on May 29 and ranked 30th in the country in the category of Duo Interpretation of Literature.