Recently at the 2023 VHSL Super Regionals Forensics Tournament, Maggie Walker’s Hasika Aaravabhoomi (‘25) and Ritvika Palani (‘25) placed first and second in the Prose Interpretation category! Participating in the Prose Interpretation competition consists of interpreting and performing a piece for around a ten-minute duration. Prose combines elements of common speech patterns, while utilizing aspects of narration and conveying the message with gestures and expressions.

The preparation process started with the students deciding on a piece and what parts of it they wanted to interpret. Aaravabhoomi, who placed first, explained that after choosing a piece, it became necessary to practice by “constantly reciting it and practicing until [she] had it fairly memorized.”

Following this, the students spent time at lunch with Ms. Celie Boswell, the Forensics coach and faculty sponsor, who allowed them to practice their pieces and provided them with feedback. Palani, placing second at the regional level, also mentioned that from previous competitions, “The judges give back scoring rubrics where they write comments stating what each person does well and poorly, which proved to be useful when practicing.” Competing at the regional level was formatted in a way where there were three rounds. Participants presented their pieces in a classroom setting in front of the judges and the other competitors.

By earning a high ranking, both sophomores will soon participate at the state level. This competition will be the last one of the season for the MLWGS Forensics Club. Compared to previous tournaments, the state level hosts a wider range of students from various areas and stronger participants. Through taking on more lunchtime sessions and spending an endless time integrating advice, both students are determined to perform at their best. Although the Forensics team is not a large one, they prove to be a group of strong speakers and hope to expand the club. Congratulations to both students!