Thespians at Woodbine

Pictured+above+is+the+current+AHS+Forensics+team.

Pictured above is the current AHS Forensics team.

by Sadia Shafique

In the past week, the thespians traveled to Woodbine High School to participate in a speech contest.

One thespian is sophomore Bryn Blanchette. Her signature event during the contest was “Original Oratory.”  In that event, Blanchette wrote a story about herself from her personal experiences. It was persuasive and provided a reason why people shouldn’t freak out about the idea of “self-image.” With her oratory, Blanchette received a two rating.

When preparing for the contest, Blanchette had her piece proof-read by forensics/debate teacher/coach Matthew Smith, and practiced with Forensics assistant coach Trisha Niceswanger. Her piece had to be at least seven and a half minutes long, and could either be memorized or spoken aloud with a manuscript. Blanchette thought that the audience was judgemental, but was “good to get experience,” and that maybe she’ll do it again.

Another student who went to Woodbine was freshman Josh McLean.  McLean’s piece he did and will take to state is “Dog Ownership For Beginners” by Dave Barry from his book, “I’ll Mature When I’m Dead.” It was a humorous piece, not actual advice. This was his first experience, and he thought it was fun to learn, watch, improve, and wants to “do it all again next year.”McLean practiced in Ms. Berryhill’s seventh period journalism/editing class, where the students liked his piece. McLean had critiques about his piece from a judge regarding timing and the delivery of his piece.

McLean gives a shout out to seniors Hannah McLean, Haley Schwiegert, Brecklyn Carey, and freshman Rebekah Hallman for supporting him.