Keir Horne

Ascend California - Congressional Debate Junior Instructor

A senior from Bronx Science, Keir has been involved in Congressional Debate for the past four years. As President of the Bronx Science Speech & Debate team—the #1 ranked program in the United States for the past decade—he’s competed and coached at every level of Congress. His proudest achievements include placing 1st at Blake, 2nd at UPenn, 4th at Glenbrooks, 4th at the Barkley Forum, 6th at Catholic Nationals, and becoming a 2025 TOC Finalist with 16 career bids.

Keir thinks Congressional Debate is all about being the perfect politician, and loves mixing serious, no-nonsense advocacy with structured argumentation. As Bronx Science’s premier introduction writer, he believes the best way to improve is to emulate how the best speakers do it, and uses real-world examples to help his students become the best advocates they can be. His approach teaches his students to argue strategically, focusing on thinking realistically and convincing an audience of what matters.

When he’s not writing intros, Keir enjoys playing guitar, going to the gym with friends, watching basketball, and biking around New York City. He’s super excited to join Team Ascend this summer!