Claire Sim: Co-Director of NJ
Claire is an avid and involved junior at the Bergen County Academies in New Jersey, a selective STEM magnet high school. She is dedicated to debate, directing Public Forum for her highschool’s team, qualifying to (twice) and placing top 16 at the Tournament of Champions, earning top accolades at esteemed tournaments including championing Princeton and clearing at Harvard, Yale, UPenn, and Columbia. Claire is deeply committed to healthcare, volunteering at a hospital in her free time, conducting independent lab research on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and serving as President of her school’s Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) chapter while placing first at the State Conference and qualifying to the International Leadership Conference. She is also the current Student Council president, with three years of student government experience. Claire is also passionate about service, volunteering at her church’s program for 3-4 year olds, mentoring underprivileged students in debate, and working in a selective peer leadership program (SPARK) at her school. She is also committed athletically, as she is as a varsity runner for her school’s track team and a nationally recognized AAU Varsity Taekwondo athlete, earning first place at nationals. Claire truly believes in the power of service and is excited to inspire and support through Vern!
Ryan Chen: Co-Director of NJ
Ryan is a dedicated junior at Millburn High School, excelling in a rigorous schedule of honors and AP courses. As Vice President of his school’s Debate Team, he has achieved a peak national rank of #2 and is a two-time New Jersey State Champion. He has also earned top placements at major tournaments, including Top 4 at the New York City Invitational and Florida Blue Key, Top 40 at NSDA Nationals, and Top 8 at Grand Nationals, while also receiving awards at Harvard, Princeton, Penn, and Yale. Beyond competition, Ryan teaches at Atlas Debate, a statewide organization dedicated to public speaking and debate education, where he manages a team of instructors and has worked with 300+ students. Ryan is also a dedicated fencer with five years of national competition experience and serves as Captain of his school’s Fencing Team, leading his sabre squad to a #1 state ranking and contributing to the team’s overall #1 title in New Jersey. During his time on the team, Millburn has placed as a finalist and Quarterfinalist at the NJ State Championship. Outside of competition, Ryan shares his passion for fencing by running “Fencing for Everyone” with a few of his friends, providing free lessons to underserved communities. He is excited to bring his leadership, service, and drive to Vern!