New York Experience

When high school senior Amanda Levendowski stepped off the subway car and looked into the bright lights of New York City, she never looked back.

“If I hadn’t competed at the Empire, I wouldn’t have fallen in love with New York City,” said Levendowski.

Coming all the way from Arizona, Levendowski’s Xavier College Preparatory High School competed in the first Empire City Invitational in 2007. The Empire experience in New York City led her to apply and attend New York University for her undergraduate degree, and now she’s staying at NYU for law school.

“I always jokingly tell people that competing at the Empire changed my life, but it’s 100 percent true,” she said.

While not every Empire student chooses to attend college in the city, every student gets the New York experience over the Empire weekend. The hotel and courthouse are located in the heart of Brooklyn, with the New York skyline serving as the backdrop to every Empire round. In between rounds, teams sample the famous New York style pizza. At night, the harbor cruise brings the students up close to the Statue of Liberty illuminated by the city lights, which proves to be one of the most memorable moments of the Empire weekend.

Often, teams choose to extend their Empire stay and tour the city. In 2009, the Irish team from Our Lady’s College met with the Irish Consulate, while King Charles School from the United Kingdom explored Times Square and visited Ellis Island. Last year, American Heritage High School from Florida enjoyed a Broadway show on the eve of the tournament.

Whether it’s seeing the city from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building, having lunch in Central Park, shopping on 5th Avenue, or seeing the Statue of Liberty up close — after rounds of competition, there is no greater reward than the New York experience.

For some, its their first time in New York City. For some, its their first time in America. For all, it’s a weekend to remember.