WHAT: Rio Hondo College will host a record-setting 360-plus students from nine high schools during its Intramural Forensic Tournament, an annual event featuring speaking performances and debates. This year, the tournament shifts location from Rio Hondo College to California High School to accommodate the event’s surging popularity among local high schools.

WHEN: 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6

WHERE: California High School, 9800 Mills Ave, Whittier

DETAILS: The contest is organized by the Rio Hondo College Forensics Speech and Debate Team. The event will include 68 rounds judged by 54 volunteers from Rio Hondo College as 312 students compete in individual events – from dramatic speeches to impromptu talks – and 52 students battle in team debates. The popular event previously included college-level competitions but the rise in high school participants persuaded debate leaders to tighten the event’s focus.

Participating schools include:

  • Alhambra High School (Alhambra)
  • California High School (Whittier)
  • Gabrielino High School (San Gabriel)
  • Garfield High School (Los Angeles)
  • La Serna (Whittier)
  • Magnet Learning Academy (Irvine)
  • San Gabriel High School (San Gabriel)
  • Schurr High School (Montebello)
  • Sonora High School (La Habra)