The forensics team fearlessly takes on what most students dread the most: speaking in front of an audience, for a grade.

In fact, this is what they do best.

Over spring break, forensics students competed in the VHSL State competition at a high school in Harrisonburg, VA. WS came out with a fourth place finish.

Forensics competitions are quite comprehensive, with students participating in everything from original oratories which are essentially ten minute speeches or duos – which are interpretations either from books or plays and can be either humorist or dramatist.

Every student must perform in front of judges, usually two per room. Competitions last for multiple rounds – only adding to the pressure. At the end of each round students are given a rank and are assigned points out of 100.

At the competition, senior Olivia Adubofour won first place for an original oratory and seniors Alyssa Debra and Lehna Asongwe won first place for humorist duo.

“Forensics in a nutshell is like public speaking as well as interpretation,” said Adubofour.

The forensics team is not yet done with its competitions. Over Memorial Day weekend, students will be participating in Nationals, which will take place in Philadelphia. This bigger event means more schools and much more competition. Adubofour as well as the duo of Debra and Asongwe will be participating.

Despite the competition, the forensics team is a tight-knit bunch of students, all sharing the common interest of public speaking.

The team has maintained a tradition of excellence as well.

“I think [success] has been a tradition here and that students have historically trained each other and passed it along as they have moved through the school,” said team sponsor and English teacher Madeleine Deliee.

Indeed the Forensics team has been successful nearly year after year. Having a close team helps not only for support at competitive competitions but also serves as a good resource for practicing.

“It’s like my niche in high school,” said Adubofour, “We are considering putting together a viewing for students going off to nationals for practice and to help raise awareness and promote interest.”

Along with the advantage of being around like minded students, forensics provides skills applicable to any student’s future path, both in college and in the workforce.

“Joining forensics improved my speaking skills and my communication skills,” said Debra, “It’s fun because you are around people who are like you.”

Having fun, gaining confidence in public speaking, and winning competitions – the forensics team certainly seems to be a path to success for its members.

“It’s a skill you can never go wrong with,” said Adubofour.