Silver tongues win

For the first time in Blair history the forensics team, a public speaking organization, has placed three finalists in a county tournament on December 8. Two of the finalists had never participated in a tournament before.

Junior Christina Shook made finals in her category of Children's Literature and first place in the entire tournament. Other finalists were junior Danielle Prados, who made finals in the categories of Dramatic Interpretation and Serious Prose, and junior Anita Umarji, a new member of forensics who made the finals for Informative Speaking.

Forensics sponsor and English teacher, Richard Rhodes, is happy that Blair is beginning to be recognized along with Wooten and Kennedy, schools who have traditionally had a reputation for always winning at the tournaments. "It's good to hear Blair's name along with the powerhouse schools," says Rhodes.

Approximately ten Blair students from all grades attended the tournament, an unusually large number from one school; the usual number Blair sends is around five. Captain Prados is very exited about the amount of participants. "It's the biggest team Blair's ever had and the best showing at a tournament we've ever had. Our spirit is so great and we're going to go out and kick some…!" exclaims Prados.

Rhodes is also very excited about the forensics team this year. Last year, the Blair forensics team also placed three students in the finals; the first time Blair had ever made finals in the school's history. Rhodes attributes this year's success to enthusiasm from last year which carried over to bring success to this year's team. Rhodes feels the Blair forensics team is the best it has ever been. Rhodes also said he credited this year's success to the team's "great captain," Danielle Prados.

The finalists from each of the three tournaments, the first of which was on October 27 and the third slated for February 2002, qualify for a larger tournament in May. Prados, Umarji, and Shook are guaranteed to be in the final competition; of the rest of Blair's team, Rhodes predicts at least one or two more will go to the finals.

Blair's success has brought new members to the team. The first club meeting after the team's great showing at the tournament on December 8 brought two new members.

The forensics club meets at 3:00 on Wednesdays in room 261.