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Head Coach: Jack Seraph, Marie Bakke
The Forensics Team is open to all WSHS students, grades 9-12, no experience required. We practice weekly in Room 2413 (by the cafeteria) on Wednesdays, 3pm.
Forensics is a competitive VHSL Activity focused on public speaking. Students may choose from a variety of events including dramatic interpretation, humorous interpretation, poetry, prose, original oratory, storytelling, declamation, extemporaneous speaking, and more. Students choose their pieces and these may be used for the entire school year, or changed at the student's discretion. At practices we work on various public speaking skills as well as development of individual performances.
We have tournaments on our local circuit monthly, our VHSL circuit, and national tournaments as well. There is no minimum requirement to compete. Students choose when they want to compete. Generally, the more you compete, the better you become. Our motto is excellence is the goal, winning the bonus!
The team is coached by Marie Bakke who has coached at WSHS since 2012. Marie is a 2-Diamond National Speech and Debate Association coach, serves as the president of the Northern Virginia Forensics League and is a Tournament Director with the Washington-Arlington CFL. Marie was recognized as the Virginia District NSDA Coach of the Year award in 2022.
