If you were in forensics in middle school, it's still the same fun activity you came to love and enjoy... the friendships, the team family, and the performances.  The categories are a little different, and we have a close relationship among the various "squads."   Following is an outline of how Rufus King High School's program works...

Debate Squad (Fall season competition)

• Policy Debate – what we should do and how to do it
• Lincoln-Douglas Debate – ought/should we do something (values)
• Public Forum – current events (think CNN’s “Crossfire” show)

“Forensics” Speech Squad (Winter/Spring season competition)

• Practices periodically throughout the fall; you may compete in more than one event (called double-entry)
• Literary Interpretation – poetry and prose reading to suggest emotions
• Drama – recreate action and characterization; storytelling
• Public Speaking – write and deliver an original speech
• Lincoln-Douglas Debate – ought/should we do something (values)
• Other Events – from discussion to radio announcing; something for everyone

Congress Squad (Winter/Spring season; usually Fridays)

• Many students participate in both speech events and congress.
• Students write legislation (bills/resolutions – proposed laws)
• Our squad researches legislation submitted from other schools
• We go to the meet and discuss the pros and cons of each item of legislation
• The students vote on whether to pass the legislation “into law”

National Varsity Squad (Year-round opportunities)

• First of all, don't let this squad scare you.  This is for the "hard-core" people.  Most students are content to compete in-state and just have fun.  If you're competitive, though, and want to try for scholarships, then this is for you!
• Students who develop a specialty in one of the areas above are invited to join our more elite national-circuit squad, which includes out of state travel.
• Selection for this squad is a privilege, and one that is kept only with commitment to forensics as a priority (but not necessarily exclusivity) above other extra-curricular teams/activities.
• In other words, hard work and dedication will pay off with additional opportunities for some students, with plenty of local (in-state) competition for the entire team, at-large.