Ernest Seaholm High School - Piper Yearbook (Birmingham, MI)

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One can almost see the wheels turning as Debate teacher John Klemme points out the senior Chris Weidman develops a tactical evident contradictions written on the board argument for the affirmative side during to assist his team develop strategy. a debate. photo by Doug Engle Photo by Paul Donar FRONTROWAdam Brode. DrewMarsh. Carrie Crink. Claus VonZastrow. THIRD Novice team members sophomore Adam Ken Alexander. Amy Zaiman. SECOND ROW: Pete Shaheen. Dan Hubert. Joel Brode. and jun.or Nancy Takemor, use he ROW Amy Gibson. AndvSpilkin. Nancy McElva.n. Dan Muir. Brian Snitzer. and library resources to put together a flaw es Takemori Chris Weidman. Licia Carlson. John Klemme. argument pho,„ by Doug Engle DEBATE 65

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A Debatable Argument by M Blasciuc. T Morton. T Schumaker There you sit, waiting nervous- ly for your turn to approach the podium to state your argument. Your dry lips beg for moisture and your pulse beats feverishly. When your name is called, you move to the podium like a robot, ready to debate. But something is wrong. The words don ' t spill out, for you have not only forgotten the de- bate arguments, but the debate topic as well. Pulling your senses together, you set up your cards, force a smile, and try to begin. No, you re not the only one this has ever happened to. For most of us, getting through one speech, let alone one speech class, is more than enough. But Seaholm deba- ters face this challenge at every competition. The Maples ' debate team is divided into two divisions. Novice and Varsity. The Novice Division is made up of first-year debaters. the top four of which were select- ed to go to states this year. The varsity team consisted of experi- enced debaters Carrie Crink, Molly Hauser, Joel McElvain, Claus VonZastro, and Amy Zal- man, who has been debating for four years. The class is taught by flex teachers John Klemme and new- comer Peter Shaheen. One of the Being in a debate class has taught me a lot, I ' ve learned to research well, speak louder and clearer in public, and to think fast, very fast! Every- thing I ' ve learned will help out in college. Joel McElvain teachers works with Varsity and the other with Novice. The team, which debates only one topic throughout the year, competed against othef schools en the topic, Water Quality . During competition the team is allowed only two debaters for either the affirma- tive or the negative side. The Maples made it to the final round of their first tournament and then continued throughout the year to place well in others. The Seaholm debate team trav- eled all over the state for competi- tions including a trip to Toledo, Ohio. Since competitions are held on weekends, thf students must be devoted. You only get out of it what you put into it, said Crink. During John Klemme ' s debate class, junior Claus VonZastrow voices his opinions on the topic of water quality, while John Abate and Joel McElvain eagerly await to speak their views. photo by Paul D . ' n,ii 64

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Forensicators Spark Do you enjoy speaking to atten- tive audiences? If so, forensics may be for you. Forensics is competitive speaking which is presented in two different ways. The first of these is called Public Address. This in- cludes informative and persuasive speeches as well as orations. The second category is entitled Interpretation. This includes dra- matic, humorous, duo and multiple interpretation. The participants choose a piece that they want to use in competition. The advisors, John Klemme and Pete Shaheen, help choose what is performed and help in the cutting and adapting of the scripts. They also give directions on characteriza- tion (interpreting the character in the script). Three-year forensicator Tom Fis- cella finds forensics rewarding. The best part about forensics is understanding the piece you ' re by Sarah York performing. If you can convey the ■ PI 1 Wl m 1 - ■ f m ■ g B (WR£ COl; 1 H M 1 ■ - V B H ' f f 1 yi ii f 1 . ■ 1 1 » Forensicators Ted Halbert and Dave Martin Junior John Abate helps fellow class member work on interpreting and developing charac- Maureen McLaughlin edit Freddy the Fallin.-i ters they must become in their duo interpre- Leaf, which was her piece, for the teacher s tation competition piece entitled The Push- final approval. piioio by Doug Enj . cart Peddlers. pholo by Doug Engle same sense of understanding and intensity to the judge and audience, you know that you have performed well. Jim Killeen agreed, Forensics has taught me how to speak well, organize my thoughts quickly, and gain more confidence speaking be- fore groups. The competitions are difficult, especially if you ' re Forensics is something that if you want to be good you have to commit your- self entirely to it. If you ' re committed enough, the rewards can be satisfying. Ted Halbert not prepared. The competitions take place on Saturdays. There are between three and five preliminary rounds before the semi-final cut. The competitors rotate between two pieces of work for each round they advance to the final rounds. These competitions are the major thrust of the year. There is the same pressure for forensica- tors as there is for a sports participant, according to Mau- reen McLaughlin. It takes a lot of dedication. You must have the ability to understand literature and theme. You have to convert this understanding to a physical, dramatic statement. By signing up for the forensics class, after having completed the speech credit, any student is eligible to compete. Suggests Tom Fiscclla, Certainly you should try it, but you must devote yourself to it. n ' y t 5 M ' ' , 66 FORENSICS