If you’re looking for the definition of the word “Team,” forget the Webster dictionary! Just hang around Doherty’s Forensics team and you will find more than just the definition of what a team really is.  “If you enjoy writing, acting, performing, or debating, this is the club for you,” said freshman Anika Barr.

Mrs. Jenny George is the proud new leader of this team, and Mrs. Sherri Landis is the assistant. You can often find them cheering their team on during Saturday competitions, and meeting with them after school or at lunch to see how they can use feedback from the judges to improve. 

Forensics is actually speech and debate, not studying dead bodies, and the team competes against other local schools at meets. In October, they competed in two novice Meets against other new competitors. Starting in November, they used the two varsity meets per month to perfect their speeches and hone their arguments.  Second semester will have regionals and state, and they are hoping to have a successful showing.

Freshman Anika Barr has been the standout, finishing 4th at the St. Mary’s Novice Meet and 6th at the Lewis Palmer Varsity Meet in Original Oratory on November 23rd. Senior Nathan Silva has also been working hard at Lincoln Douglas Debate and National Extemp, and senior Emily Roche has been a judge for novice tournaments and will compete in drama soon. Others will be joining us soon, and it’s not too late to join the team.  If you are interested in tagging along, see Mrs. George in the Writing Center.

“I love coaching this team because we have a lot of fun competing and improving overall speaking skills, and if you are interested in getting better at public speaking, we would love to have you.”  The team celebrated the end of the first semester with Chinese food for lunch and handmade mugs made by Mrs. George. “The days are long, but this area has great coaches who have welcomed us in, and we are improving at each meet.”