Bancroft members compete in speech events which include Dramatic Interpretation of Literature, Declamation, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Original Oratory.
In recent years, Baltimore City College Speech and Debate has become one of the most well-regarded high school programs in country.
[2] Baltimore City College's modern speech and debate program began with the creation of the Bancroft Literary Association in 1876.
William Elliott, Jr., principal, explained the role of the Bancroft Literary Association in the annual report to the Board of School Commissioners in 1878: [The Bancroft Literary Association] has for its object that culture which is afforded by the preparation of essays on various subjects and discussions of questions of general interest.
It exercises are conducted according to approved parliamentary usages, and are characterized by exhibitions of ability in the youthful aspirants for forensic honors, that are very gratifying.
In 1908, City College met rival Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in the first of a series of annual debates.
[7] The members of the literary societies continued seeking opponents at other secondary schools and also debated against several college teams.
[8] Though Bancroft/Carrollton-Wight members began to routinely compete against other schools, the societies continued to hold an annual debate.
[9] In addition to providing forums for the development of student debaters, the societies focused on declamation and oratory.
In 1914, the societies began bestowing medals upon four graduating seniors with the best declamatory, debating, extemporaneous speaking, and essay skills.
[10] In April 2008, the Baltimore Community Foundation announced its initial endowment of the Gilbert Sandler Fund for B.C.C.
[11] In 2010, Baltimore City College earned two bids to the Tournament of Champions (TOC), the most elite debate competition in the United States.
The policy debate team of William Stokes and Nicholas Vail earned the first TOC bid in the history of Baltimore City at the Wake Forest National Earlybird Tournament.
In the same year, the policy debate team of Kaine Cherry and David Neustadt earned the school's second TOC bid at the Lakeland District Invitational.
Two Baltimore City College policy debaters advanced to the final round National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament, a tournament which also featured Bancroft/Carollton-Wight members Gareth Imparato participating in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Emma Koch participating in Declamation, where she reached quarterfinals and was ranked 14th in the United States.
Two City College policy debate teams were crowned co-champions at the National Catholic Forensic League qualifiers in Baltimore.
Mock trial was not a traditional part of the literary societies, but has been incorporated into the modern speech and debate program.