Speak Now

Words matter, and the Forensics team knows this better than anybody. Participating in the Forensics team provides endless opportunities to acquire and hone skills such as public speaking, confidence, and creativity. Sophomore Lucas Gordon has been a member of the team since his freshman year, learning new skills and finding a community along the way.

He says there is so much he loves about competing and being on the team, but the team itself is his favorite part. 

“It’s a way to practice your skills with others in a community sense, like there is a community value to it,” said Gordon.

Gordon competes in the categories of prose, impromptu, and radio broadcasting: where he remains undefeated. Between practices and competitions, Gordon has made unforgettable memories, including placing second at his very first high school competition.

“[Placing was] proof that I had performance value on the team,” said Gordon.  “[It was my] first step into the echelon.”

People like Lucas discover themselves in forensics. They gain experience and skills in public speaking, preparing a speech, and capturing a crowd, but forensics is also an outlet to talk about your passions, find what you like to talk about, and see what you’re capable of in the ever-relevant world of speaking.

“[Forensics is for] people with an interest in public speaking, not blood splatter,” said English teacher Lacy Krell, who coaches the team along with fellow English teacher Summer Cozzens.

“People who are looking to better themselves,” Krell added. “People who are looking to gain skills. People who are looking to make friends.” 

Like everything else, competing in forensics looks a little different than this year. With virtual school has come virtual after-school activities as well. 

“It’s definitely different,” Gordon admitted when describing the new, online format of Forensics competitions.  “It’s worse on the performers side, but better on the judges side because of the technology.” 

In fact, the team went to regionals the weekend of February 13, and members placed in six different categories. Senior Bri Forest placed in impromptu, sophomore Abby Russell and junior Mansha Nain placed in prose, junior Ashton Dodrill placed in humorous interpretation, senior Natalie Pugh and senior Jane Van Patten placed in storytelling, senior DaeQuon Shines and senior Christa Seamons placed in serious dramatic interpretation, and senior Zoe Suber and Junior Katherine McLellan placed in poetry.

“Lucas is a team player,” said Krell. “He is willing to try on categories nobody else will do.”

At regionals, Gordon competed in a category very new to him, impromptu. He had only competed in it once before, and placed second at that event.

“It was interesting to say the least,” said Gordon, describing the new challenge. “It kept me on my toes and [I was] intrigued by a new ruleset, and with the fast paced prep; it made impromptu an exciting category to try.”

The forensics team is brimming with talent from all corners of our school. Become a part of this amazing team of speakers by contacting Lacy Krell at [email protected] or Summer Cozzens at [email protected] 

We won the Regional AND Super Regional forensics tournaments, taking first place in sweeps at both virtual competitions. We have the super region champs in two categories and five students are moving on to the state tournament along with two alternates. Here are the students who will compete at the state tournament on March 27:

Serious Dramatic Interpretation

1st place – Dae’Quon Shines

2nd place – Christa Seamons

Storytelling

1st place – Natalie Pugh

2nd place – Jane Van Patten

Poetry

2nd Place – Katharine Mclellan

4th place alternate – Zoë Suber

Humorous Dramatic Interpretation

4th place alternate – Ashton Dodrill