Clubs and Organizations: Forensics

Northern Valley Forensics Heads to Salina

The Final Curtain

by Ken Tharman

May 06, 2008

It does not seem as though a whole season of Forensics is ready to be over……. And yet ……. It seems like I have been waiting for this time the entire year. J Thursday evening (May 1^st) the High School had the Awards banquet. There were 14 of the 20 team members that lettered this year. Hannah Hawks received the “Woman of the Year” award, Travis Redeker earned the “Man of the Year” award, Kayla Field received the “Newcomer of the Year” award, and Amanda Hopkins was recognized as the “Team Captain for 2007 – 08” ……. and for her leadership skills all season.

The next day ….. May 2^nd, the Forensics team had a long day ahead of them. Four of the team members loaded up to compete at a track meet in Mankato, while seven others anxiously awaited to leave for Salina. After an early lunch and some picture taking …… Bryant, Amanda, Hannah, and Samuel performed their selections for the grade school students before we loaded into the suburban. At 1:00 PM, Michelle Tharman (sponsor) and the team were off on the open road.

After a couple of hours like sardines, we finally arrived at the hotel in Salina. We checked in and then were off to the mall for some shopping (You know …. Mother’s Day?) Anyway …… afterwards we went to Coyote Canyon for supper and then back to the hotel. Due to a cancellation of the track meet in Mankato, three other members of the team joined us earlier than normal. Gale Hays brought the students down and represented Northern Valley as judge at the Champs competition. The kids enjoyed some unwinding time in the pool and then we started our practices.

Each year we meet in the lobby and go through our selections. Sometimes we even acquire a few onlookers …. which would make me a bit nervous ….. but not these seasoned veterans. They just kept right on going …… kind of like the Energizer Bunny®. Once we wrapped up the practice session, students were able to relax and get ready for an early start the following day.

We were able to attend both Festival and Champs this year. Six students traveled with Michelle to Kansas Wesleyan University and competed in the Festival events. Those students were: Stanton Nelson – Informative ( I ), Travis Redeker & Jordan Herman – Improvised Duet Acting ( I ), Michael Callaway & Christina Anderson – Improvised Duet Acting, and Bryant Tharman – Prose. All of those receiving a one rating got a medal. The down side to that is …… They only got ONE chance to impress the judge.

Five students traveled with me to Salina Central High School and competed in the Champs competition. Those students and their events were: Amanda Hopkins – Duet Acting and Serious Solo, Hannah Hawks – Duet Acting and Poetry, Samuel Field – Poetry, Kayla Field – Poetry, and Matt Dole – Poetry. In the Champs, there are three preliminary rounds, a semi – final round (top twelve), and a final round (top six). At this level of competition …… it can be quite stressful and tiring. As Gale stated, “There isn’t a bad one down here.”

Kayla Field made it to the Semi – finals and competed for her fourth time of the day. She was unable to advance to the next round ….. but what an accomplishment. Every one of these students deserved to be competing at state. They have worked extremely hard to get here and I am VERY PROUD of them all.

I want to take this time to say “Thank You” to every one of the individuals that help to make Forensics a viable activity in the valley. Without your support and encouragement, none of it would be possible. Until next season, keep your act together.