Monacan High School - Legend Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

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The power of persuasion at work Monacan’s belief in the development of well-rounded students is exemplified in its wide range of extra-curricular offer- ings. For example, a student who has in- terests in performing or public speaking has the opportunity to participate in ac- tivities such as the Theatre Society or the Debate Team. The success of both orga- nizations in the furthering of achievement by students helps, without a doubt, to make Monacan work. Although Monacan’s debates team is only two years old, it’s growth and ac- complishments are highly commendable. During the 1983-84 school year, under the guidance of sponsor Mr. Lamar Brandt, the team attended seven tourna- ments, placed team members in various speaking and argumentation competions eight times, and placed eighth in the state. Many members of the team felt that CS SS Practice makes perfect. Rehearsing presentations pays off in competition. 68 Debate the culmination of the year came at the Great Smokey Mountain Invitational De- bate and Forensic Tournament, at which the varsity team placed ninth, the affirma- tive half of the four-man team placed first, and the negative half of the fourmanteam placed fourth. Combined, the scores of the four-man team earned Monacan a first-place trophy; this accomplishment contributed to Monacan’s winning of the forensics and debate sweepstakes tro- phy. With continued growth and achieve- ment, the debate team experienced a successful year. With the unity of crew members and performers, Monacan’s Theatre Society boasts of an outstanding history of pro- jects. In 1983-84 the Society’s projects consisted of two productions, Teach Your Children and HMS Pinafore; the annual Talent Show; and a banquet for members. As an active member of the Theatre Soci- ety, a student can choose to participate on crews such as those of publicity, house, sound, or stage. Of course, many members choose to devote their time and talents to performing. Either way, a stu- dent has the opportunity to accumulate enough points to become a member of the International Thespian Society. Due to the Theatre Society Monacan is able to enjoy the arts in a professional and well- planned setting. Obviously, a student who wishes to be either in the spotlight or behind the scenes has special opportunities at Mon- acan. Through organizations such as de- bate and theatre, students develop poise and comarderie. Their accomplishments help to make Monacan work.

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Breaking New Ground in an old sport The Forensic season began Septem- ber 6 with a two day tournament at Edison High School in Alexandria, Virginia. When they returned, the team decided to host their own invitational tournament. It took place on November 19 and was attended by twenty high schools from around the state. Three-hundred students competed in nine forensic events. A few records were set, including three first place awards to Patrick Williamson who triple entered the tournament. The next tourna- ment was the Chatlottesville High School Invitational where the forty-seven mem- ber team set a school record by winning eleven trophies. The team also won the sweepstakes trophy topping the twenty- four schools present. Monacan High School began a new event for Virginia forensics. The event is known as a Multiple Group Reading. The Reading consists of three to eight per- sons who convey a message from the printed page. The message concerns the handicapped and stresses the impor- tance of accepting people for what they can do and treating them as human be- ings. The Reading is a collection of songs, plays, and poems and its mem- bers include: Patrick Williamson, Doug Langston, Joe Skora, Pam Shirah, Beth Walleck, Kristen Hargrave, Krista Mead, and Susan Mariner. A second group was put together by Mr. Broaddus’ 4th period speech class. The two groups placed 1st and 2nd in the first competition. The group has performed for both the Monacan and Charlottesville Tournaments. Also, in the spring a Reader’s Theatre Night was held to show off the team and to demonstrate the Multiple Reading to their fellow stu- dents. On February 24, 25, and 26, the Mona- can Forensics Team traveled to Gatlin- burg, Tennessee to attend the Great Smoky Mountain Forensic Invitational. Within the team of fifty active members, twelve were selected to attend and com- pete. Nine states and sixty-one schools from Michigan to Florida entered this na- tionally prestigious tournament. Trophy winners were: Krista Mead — 2nd place in Oratory, Laurie Maxwell — 6th place in ADS (After Dinner Speaking) and Bo Arta- bazon — 5th place in poetry. The Triathon is an event in which a con- testant may receive an award for placing in three different individual events. Pat- rick Williamson received a 2nd place award in the triathon by placing 6th in a duo with Susan Hoke, 4th in oratory, and 3rd in poetry. Overall the Monacan Foren- sic team was awarded a 2nd place trophy for excellence in individual events. The Forensics team is extremely proud of those who did so well throughout this year and hopes for continuing success. a EE Se SE Practice makes perfect. The members of the new Group Reading troupe rehearse their script. Forensics 67

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Solo performance. Using props to enhance his point, this debater prepares for his final arguments. Two of a kind. Though physically dissimilar these two debaters have more in common than meets the eye. Debate 69