Last Wednesday our own Rambam Rhetoric team competed in a Citron Model Congressional Debate Invitational. There was major pressure on the team to deliver considering the impressive showing from the Rhetoric team last year. Our own Rhetoric Ravens prepared by researching proposed laws on everything from Presidential social media to billboard bans. They even submitted their own legislation creating high speed railroads to connect urban and rural communities. When the actual competition came, competitors took turns giving moving speeches on the legislation. In the end, when awards were announced, there was an air of worry until it was announced that Henach Barningham (junior) and Daniel Stein (senior) both tied for first place, getting perfect ballots from their judges! However, no victory is permanent, and the Rhetoric Ravens will now move on to preparing for a World Schools Debate on autonomous AI. Daniel Stein (Senior) Veterans Day Assembly: Honoring Heroes at Rambam The Veterans Day Assembly at Rambam was a tremendous success, leaving a lasting and meaningful impression on the entire school community. The event began with the Rambam band setting a respectful and patriotic tone by playing the national anthem. Thank you to Benny Feder and Mark Khaimov for creating this meaningful atmosphere. Gershon Brill –a Rambam senior- then introduced the guest speaker to the audience declaring: “Today is Veterans Day in which we acknowledge with gratitude those who have served our country and fought to preserve our freedoms and our democracy. Veterans represent self sacrifice, courage, loyalty and principle. It's my privilege to introduce a veteran of the Korean Qar who has the best virtues of an American veteran. Please give your attention to my good friend John Shaud.” Sergeant John Shaud is a 91year-old veteran and the President of the West Hempstead Historical Society. Sergeant Shaud comes from a distinguished family of veterans, including his great-uncle Major General Daniel E. Sickles. Sergeant John Shaud shared stories from his time in the Air Force during the Korean War. He also recounted the moving tale of the four chaplains and spoke fondly of his friend in the IDF. Despite not being Jewish, Sergeant Shaud thoughtfully prepared his speech geared for a Jewish audience. Gershon Brill, who invited Sergeant Shaud to speak, expressed his gratitude, saying, "It's really amazing what Rambam can do. When I met John and started building model aircraft with him, I never imagined he would become part of the Rambam family. Now he has more plaques than me! " Sergeant Shaud was deeply touched by the warm reception he received. "I enjoyed having the privilege of speaking at your school," he said. "I'm so touched by your classmates, principal, and teachers. I'm honored by the plaque given to me and that you asked me to share my military experiences. Your classmates all shook my hand, and I felt so privileged. You made Veterans Day very special for me. " The assembly was an amazing success, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved and serving as a remarkable Kiddush Hashem.