Speech and Debate, commonly known as Forensics, is an extra curricular program offered at James Logan High School. Dr. Lindsey, the founder of the school’s program, remains in the Hall of Fame for having produced more national champions than any other coach in this event. However, there is more to come with mere trophies and accomplishments. Students are also met with skills developed through this activity. Mr. Kurup, the director and teacher of Forensics at Logan, does his best at providing a means for students to develop valuable skills.
“Students who go through this program prepare for their futures by developing strong voices,” said Mr. Kurup. By competing every month at tournaments across the country, students gain confidence in speaking in front of crowds of high school students, parents, and judges. Nonetheless, public speaking is not the only strength to be developed through this activity.
Forensics allows students to strengthen their persuasive skills and put a purpose to their words. Jacob Nguyen is a graduating senior at James Logan. He has demonstrated his strength in this activity through the numerous trophies he has acquired, including one earned for becoming the 2022 State Champion in Duo Interpretation. He describes this activity as being focused on not only speaking, but on how to organize what he wants to say in an effective way to adequately represent what it is he hopes to convey.
“I am able to translate that into almost any medium of my life where I have to talk or write,” Nguyen said.
Reanna Srivastava, another graduating senior, additionally sees value in learning how to be persuasive in her words. As a female debater in a male-dominated event, it is imperative that other women in her field learn how to have a strong central argument when speaking out to ensure attention, especially when it is more difficult for them to attain. Regardless of this struggle, she has qualified to the National Speech and Debate Association championship every year of her high school career. Participating in this activity has allowed Reanna to better her understanding about how to persuade others over a given topic through rhetoric and research.
“This has helped a lot in daily life when I’ve needed to communicate with someone, teachers or peers, and it’s made it easier to do so,” Srivastava said. Certainly, this skill is one that shows to be convenient in life past high school tournaments. It is one she is hopeful to carry with her as she goes into college and works with others.
In addition, this concept of working with others has been made easier through cooperative skills gained in Forensics. The State Championship Program Oral Interpretation runner-up, Saivi Sahijpal, illustrates her gratitude for having improved her ability to work effectively with others.
“Before I joined this team, I hated interacting with new people,” Saivi said. Despite this, she explained that as a team captain, she has had to put this aside in order to be welcoming to newcomers and those she is unfamiliar with. This has made her a better competitor, a better leader, and a better individual as she no longer feels the need to shy away from new people. Often, people would rather pick those they are already comfortable with. On the other hand, Saivi finds enjoyment in working with new people, fostering new connections, and using her new found skill from being a speech captain. Part of these leadership skills also come from her improved ability to communicate with others, resembling the experience of Reanna.
Aditya Chordiya, a James Logan Forensics alumni, is one who can also relate to this. He took on the role of assistant coach for the Congressional Debate team, a smaller group within the mass of the Forensics program. In this position, he has taken advantage of his ability to communicate and work well with students he does not already know well, skills developed while on the team himself. Along with this, he stands as a role model for many underclassmen, primarily those who did not know him from the team prior.
“I’m glad I get to come back and be a leader to these kids since I used to be in their position four years ago,” said Aditya. He is a great example of how these skills can be used even past one’s high school Forensics career.
Aditya Chordiya helps coach the congressional debaters to accomplish a team of four national qualifiers, the highest amount in the history of this team.
“Research, persuasion, teamwork, and leadership,” are all skills Mr. Kurup said he associates with what is developed by being on his team. While he has built a legacy of state champions, national champions, and great speakers, he has also formed students to be in better shape for their near-approaching next chapters of their lives. As high school seniors, it is valuable to be able to recognize what they have gained from engaging in this program. Like the alumni, such as Aditya, they will take this with them in their careers that lie ahead. Time and time again, seniors recognize the valuable skills they have gained throughout their four years, and they use this to find success in their lives to follow. Whether it be effective communication or reliable leadership, these students will set off to college as improved individuals and shape the world around them for the better
