For many students, the word “forensics” conjures images of lab coats and crime scenes, but at Manhattan High, it represents a stage, a podium and a powerful platform for self-expression.
The Manhattan High forensics team kicked off their season this past weekend at Washburn Rural, proving that whether they are acting out a movie scene or debating international policy, they are a force to be reckoned with. Bringing a massive crew of over 40 students to a tournament with more than 800 entries, Manhattan secured an impressive fourth-place team finish against stiff competition.
If the world of competitive speech sounds intimidating, senior Wyatt Adams has a helpful analogy to explain the scope of the sport. “If debate is cross country — a single event where we do just one topic and extensively research it — forensics is definitely track,” Adams said. “It has 20+ events that suit individual interests. There are acting events, speech events where you write your own topic and extemporaneous ones where you talk about subjects off the dome.”
Unlike the head-to-head, high-stress environment of debate, forensics often offers a more personal connection between the performer and the judge. Savannah Harvey, a junior noted that this variety is what makes the activity so accessible.
“In forensics, you either perform your piece or give your speech, and it’s only you and the judge,” Harvey said. “If [head-to-head] isn’t your cup of tea, forensics definitely has options for you.”
The weekend was highlighted by a unique “Mystery Event,” where students walk into a room having no idea what they will be asked to do until they begin. Out of 124 entries, Manhattan’s own Alexis Toews was crowned the champion.
“She aced nearly every event and outperformed the other top contestants in the final round to win the event and be crowned ‘Miss Mystery,’” William Soper, forensics coach said.
Even unplanned events — like a popped tire — can be ground for group experiences.
“On our way back from Topeka the tire popped on the highway which offered an hour and a half of waiting,” Adams said. “It allowed for a lot of team bonding and ended up being kind of fun.”
The tournament was also a breakout moment for the team’s younger members who were forced to dive into the deep end. In forensics, there is no separate “novice” division, meaning freshmen often compete directly against experienced seniors.
“This can make it particularly hard for young competitors to have success at early tournaments,” Soper said.
Despite the odds, freshman Viola Pakaste-Warner placed sixth in Humorous Interpretation with a performance of “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”, and freshman Katalina Martinez reached the quarterfinals of Informative Speaking with a speech on Latin Rock, beating out dozens of upperclassmen in a field of 80.
Beyond the trophies, the students stay for the impact and the community. Harvey, who initially joined thinking the club was about forensic science, discovered that “original oratory” and “extemporaneous speaking” changed her perspective on civic engagement.
“It’s a space for advocacy,” Harvey said. “It’s a space where your voice can be heard by many different people. You really learn more about how the world works and what issues are really prevalent today.”
Adams agreed, noting that forensics allows for a creative freedom that other academic competitions lack.
“In forensics, you get a chance to be creative and choose things that you want to do and talk about and act out,” Adams said. “It offers a new forum for civic engagement because it allows us to interrogate different ideas.”
The tournament also served as a qualifying ground for the state championships, with several Manhattan students punching their tickets early. Wyatt Adams and Natalia Buffington took second place in Duo Interpretation with their performance of Jojo Rabbit, while Emron Streetman took second in International Extemporaneous Speaking and Ayla Price took fourth in Impromptu Speaking. Even a flat tire on the highway during the return from Topeka couldn’t dampen the team’s spirits, as they turned an hour-and-a-half wait for a repair into an impromptu team-bonding session.
“Everyone’s very focused, but one of the things our team does really well is celebrate group success and uplift each other,” Harvey said.
As the season continues, the team remains focused on the message behind their performances. “Forensics gives us the subtle reminder that ranks aren’t everything,” Adams said. “There are sometimes things that we have to stand strong on and stick up for what we believe in.”
