Forensics

Forensics is one of the more popular co-curricular activities at St. Lawrence Seminary. There is a very wide range of activities students can compete in, from extemporaneous speech to dramatic interpretation. There are individual and team events.

St. Lawrence Seminary has a long tradition of success in Forensics, including four WFCA Division III State Championships—three in the last four years—and fifteen consecutive top-ten state finishes. During the last ten years twenty-five students have been state champions or runners-up in their events.

The forensics program provides students with the opportunity to develop and improve their public speaking skills. This is an opportunity to develop oneself as a confident, skillful public speaker. In addition, the individual who is able to communicate well often has a distinct advantage over the less well-trained speaker in many areas of society. Participation in forensics and demonstrated dedication to improvement as an orator are essential elements for the success of the program, both for the individual student and for the forensics team.

The forensics season lasts from January through April. During this time, students compete in various tournaments and festivals. The moderator determines those students who are to be entered in each competition. The seminary is affiliated with the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association (WHSFA), the Wisconsin Forensic Coaches Association (WFCA), and competes in the Wisconsin Flyway Conference.

The requirements for earning a letter in forensics have been established so as to recognize both superior achievement in forensic competition as well as commitment to the goals of the program. A student may letter in Forensics by earning a gold medal or two silver medals at the WHSFA State Festival, a trophy at the WHSFA State Tournament, two trophies at two tournaments in one season, one trophy and a medal at the Flyway Conference Meet, or a semi-finalist award at the State Tournament. In addition, a senior who has participated in at least six festivals or tournaments in each of three separate years may be awarded a letter. Finally, a student may be awarded a letter at the discretion of the coach. Students who do not meet the criteria to letter may be given other awards, at both the varsity and junior varsity levels. In years subsequent to lettering, meeting the lettering criteria will result in the award of a bar. Students who are members of the Forensic team for four years will receive a four-year award at the end of their Senior year.