In an extremely close, well-matched tournament, SIS walked away victorious by a 1.34 point difference against KIS, the longstanding Forensics champion. 

On Oct.14-15, SIS hosted its first in-person forensics tournament after two years of being online. Participants came from YISS, GSIS, Chadwick, Dalton, TCIS, APIS, and Dwight. 

“I have been with the forensics team since freshman year, and it will be my first time performing in front of a real audience,” Chae Eun Lee (11), senior Debate captain, said. “I am excited to actually meet everyone who I have always seen on Zoom, but that is not to say that I will not feel extreme nervousness when it is time to perform my piece.” 

As the host, SIS members were expected to stay behind and help with the progression of the two-day event. Helpers worked throughout the tournament by cleaning-up, providing guidance for other school members, or helping judges with timing. Debate members helped afterschool on Friday, whereas those from Speech helped out on Saturday. 

“I plan to buy my friends on the Speech team some snacks from the convenience store and just be there for moral support,” Samuel Hong (12), Public Forum Debate captain, said. “During the speech tournament,  I will also be cleaning any left-over food or trash. I know what it is like feeling all tense before the actual debate, and I am hoping I could do anything to help my teammates and school out.” 

Planning the event was not easy, however. Forensics coaches Michelle Ganus, Iain Coweison, and Amber Watkins worked long and hard to coordinate events, create teams, and organize rooms.

Fortunately though, the two-day long event ran smoothly. 

The SIS Speech team ended up with a very impressive haul with 10 finalists and 4 placing in the Top 3, placing above KIS by just 5 points. Then, on Saturday morning, the Debate team sealed the deal. 

Here is the list of those who were recognized: 

Speech

Henry Hatridge (11) 1st Place in Extemporaneous 

Haven Cha (9) 1st Place in Duo Acting

Sarah Kim (9) 1st Place in Duo Acting

Stella Chae (11) 2nd Place in Solo Acting

Cherlin Kim (11) 2nd Place in Impromptu

Bona Suh (12) Finalist in Prose

Jennifer Kwon (12) Finalist in Duo Acting

Skylar Peck (12) Finalist in Duo Acting

Rachel Jeong (11) Finalist in Duo Acting

Alyssa Lee (11) Finalist in Duo Acting

Kris Son (11) Finalist in Solo Acting

Grace Lee (11) Finalist in Extemporaneous

Sahngwon Lee (11) Finalist in Impromptu

Debate

Cherlin Kim (11) 1st Place in Public Forum Debate

Jane Park (11) 1st Place in Public Forum Debate

Katelyn Oh (11) 2nd Place in Public Forum Debate

Eric Cho (10) 2nd Place in Public Forum Debate

Jason Lee (10) 2nd Place in Parliamentary Debate

Henry Hatridge (11) 2nd Place in Parliamentary Debate

Claire Lee (12) 2nd Place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate

“I was so shocked when it was announced that I got first place for Solo Acting,” Jane Park, junior Debate member, said. “Going into the competition, I honestly thought I wasn’t going to be advancing to the finals just because of how tense the competition was. Thankfully though, everything worked out in the end, and I couldn’t be happier.” 

“It was the first time my partner and I ever competed in a Forensics tournament, and it wasn’t even on my radar that we would come out on top,” Haven Cha, freshman Speech member, said. “We did a modern interpretation of Rapunzel for the Duo Acting category and I’m just excited to jump back to next week’s practice and continue improving my acting skills.” 

“We are so proud of our students and all the work they have done to get the season right,” said Ms. Ganus. “We will be facing our fellow KAIAC schools again at YISS in November.”