Northern Valley Forensics Heads to Salina for State Competition
May 07, 2009
On May 1st, 2009, the Northern Valley Forensics students loaded up the suburban and headed to Salina. Four of the team members joined us later, because they had to compete in the Quinter track meet that afternoon. Seven students, Janette Callaway, and myself left the Valley at 1:00 PM.
The ride was very pleasant and uneventful on the way down. There was no weather to contend with and the temperature was just right. We arrived in Salina around 5 PM. After checking into the Super 8 Hotel, we ventured out to the mall to stretch our legs. Around 6:30 we went to one of the students’ favorite eating places, Coyote Canyon. It was a great surprise to have Amanda Hopkins join up with us! Amanda is a student at Kansas Wesleyan University and our past team captain.
After supper, we went back to the hotel and the kids unwound in the swimming pool. It was not until 9:30 that the rest of our gang came in from Quinter with Gale and Ranelle Hays. We used the next hour for brushing up on our material in the lobby. Around 12:30 ……. At least to my knowledge ….. :-) things were quiet and we called it a night.
Saturday morning started early. Kids were up and dressed by 6:30 and we were out the door by 6:50 AM. The forensics students, sponsors (Ranelle and Janette), and judge (Gale Hays) arrived at the Salina South High School for the 1A State Championship competition. Those students participating and their events were: Hannah Hawks and Melissa Hawks (DUET Acting), Matt Dole (Poetry), Gunner Hays (Informative Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking), Kayla Field (Serious Solo Acting), and Kenzi Husted (Prose).
The State Festival participants left around 10:30 AM with Janette Callaway and ventured to the Kansas Wesleyan University campus. The students and the events they were involved with at Festival were: Travis Redeker and Jordan Herman (Improvised Duet Acting), Cody Callaway and Michael Callaway (Improvised Duet Acting), Samuel Field (Poetry), and Cody Callaway (Humorous Solo Acting).
Samuel Field and Cody Callaway each earned a ONE rating in the State Festival Forensics Tournament and took home a state medal for their individual events. The two IDA events received a three rating. WAY TO GO GUYS!! After they were done with their performances, some of the students ventured back home with parents.
The other students found their way back to the Championship tournament. After three grueling rounds, the top twelve students in each of the nine events advance to the Semi – final round. Those making it to the semi – finals were: Matt, Kayla, and Gunnar (Extemporaneous). The entire day is a cumulative point system. What this means is that the scores from every round continue to accumulate. If you have one bad round …. It may haunt you the rest of the tournament.
The scores from the three judges in the semi – finals are then added to the preliminary rounds and the top six contestants in each field are then ready for the Final Round. Gunnar made it to the final round and placed fifth in the state of Kansas in Extemporaneous Speaking.
The forensics team, along with Gale and Ranelle Hays made the triumphant journey back to Almena. We did make a short stop in Hays at iHop® ……. But that was strictly for nourishment ….. not celebration. :-)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank EACH and EVERY ONE of you that have praised, listened to, encouraged, traveled, judged, provided snacks, food runs, and driving abilities for our team this year. NONE OF OUR TEAM’S SUCCESS IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT ALL OF YOU.
As we head into the summer months of relaxation and ice tea …. Remember to keep an ear and eye open for books, stories, or titles that may be useful in the upcoming season. You never know …. You may pick something up that will become State Champ material. This has been one of the most enjoyable seasons I have been a part of. THANKS FOR A GREAT YEAR!!! And remember …… Act responsibly. :-)
