Roeper Forensics Earns High Marks!

The Roeper Forensics Team had a very busy and successful spring season, even in the midst of challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning in mid-February, each of the team’s 13 high school members participated in two or more all-day invitational tournaments. Competitions were held completely online, with students performing live in front of their computers up to five times during the day with hundreds of students from across the state.

The season culminated at the end of April with every member qualifying for the Class C/D Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association (MIFA) State Tournament. Of the 11 participating students, nine placed in the top 12 in the state, with seven of those becoming finalists placing in the top six in their respective categories.

State finalists were: Charlotte Silverstein, sixth place in informative; Vaughn Roycraft, sixth place in prose 9/10; Ruby McKeever, fourth place in dramatic interpretation; Signe Smith, fourth place in poetry; Zion Johnson, third place in prose; Rosalyn Li, second place in extemporaneous speaking; and Lee Must, second place in sales.

Semifinalists were Francis Allen in impromptu speaking, and Clyde Granzeier in storytelling. Hannah Wise, poetry and Elyse Miller, dramatic interpretation, each achieved personal bests. Seven of the team members are graduating Seniors, and many have been a part of the forensics team for the majority of their high school careers.

During this same time, ten of Roeper’s middle school team members competed in the MIFA Spring States Middle School tournament with equally impressive results. Semifinalists included: Jamie Steinhobel, 13^th in dramatic interpretation; Amir Al-Din Ware, 12^th in original interpretation; Anjali Sharma 13^th, Hollis Perry 11^th, and Tye Steffke 10^th, all in prose; and Kaitlyn Gruber, seventh place in storytelling.

Middle school state finalists included Neel Grover, fourth in prose; Rocco Morrow, second in original interpretation; and, Meira Gable and Lauren Mattison, state champions, both tied for first in poetry.

During Roeper Forensics Night, the team’s traditional end of the year celebration, 14 members performed their states selections. The event was livestreamed on the Roeper Forensics YouTube channel, and the recording is available for viewing HERE.

Congratulations to all of our incredible team members, and particularly to our graduating eighth graders and Seniors. And gratitude and kudos to our legendary coaches Dan, Laura, Jaffar and Katarina!