Small but Courageous

The OCHS Forensics team is doing well despite having fewer members

By Hannah Mondragon

The OCHS Forensics team this year consists of five freshmen, three sophomores, two juniors, and four seniors. This team may seem small, but they have the courage to go to other schools and perform in front of tons of judges that critique them.

The events that the students perform in are oration, extemporaneous speaking, improvised duet acting (IDA), humorous interpretation, serious solo, impromptu speaking, poetry and prose, informative speaking, and duet acting. They are led by Coach Renee Gallagher.

Senior Katalina Vecchione started forensics her sophomore year. She is involved in prose, poetry, and duet acting.  Vecchione was asked about her goal this year as a senior and she replied, “My goal is to try to attempt to break into finals so I can go to state. Ms. Gallagher has always told us no matter what, we have the ability to reach as far as we want to. Depending on the effort and passion.”

The OCHS Forensics team goes to tournaments on Saturdays to perform. They have three rounds to show the judges what they are capable of. If they place in the top six in their event they break into finals. Once in finals, they perform in front of a panel of judges again (usually three or more). After the finalists are done performing, they wait for the awards assembly.  If a student breaks into the top six in an event, then, based on how many schools are attending the tournament, he/she may qualify for the state festival in May.  If the student gets first or second place in a regular season competition, he/she goes to the state championship.

Senior Madison McKenzie is involved in IDA, duet acting, and prose. McKenzie was asked about her favorite part of forensics as a senior and what experience she’s gained, and replied, “I’m a lot more used to acting now. It broke me out of my shell and got me more open to talking in front of people. My favorite event is duet this year because I get to spend it with Katalina Vecchione.” McKenzie was also asked about all the goals she’s accomplished throughout high school forensics.  She said, “I’ve been to the state championship once for IDA, but I’ve qualified for state festival every year for prose. It’s definitely been one of the greatest high school experiences ever.”

The OCHS forensics team has several tournaments remaining this year. The state qualifiers will perform here at the school for “Forensics in the Spring” on April 26, 2015.  This event showcases what the forensicators have been working on throughout the year, so feel free to come out and and enjoy the entertainment.