Forensics freshman advances to states
Freshman Eleanor Strader competes at both super regionals and states. Pictured here is at Dominion High School in Northern Virginia, March 25, 2023.
Freshman Eleanor Strader brings home a first-place regional medal for the forensics team and hopes to snag states.
“I’m doing a humorous interpretation piece in which I’m acting as a girl learning to drive with an intense mother,” said Eleanor.
One of the piece requirements for the contestants is to have emotion and movement.
“I have to find movements that curate that kind of performance within the guidelines provided. I try to find movements that really embellish the characters,” said Eleanor.
For the competition, it takes memorization, practice and dedication.
“The best way for me to practice is to repeat my monologue over and over again, but if I make a mistake, I start over,” said Eleanor.
Contestants have the opportunity to get advice to fix mistakes in their performance pieces.
“You can’t say this with most categories in forensics, but most of my competition has been very friendly and willing to give critiques if asked. It’s such a safe, friendly environment that it doesn’t really feel like competing,” said Eleanor.
Although performances are fun, they can also be stressful; however, this stress can be beneficial.
Eleanor placed second at the super regionals and will advance to the state tournament on March 25, 2023, at Dominion High School in Northern Virginia.
“We meet once or twice a week and prepare for tournaments by giving feedback as they perform,” said English teacher and forensics coach Kimberly Bedinger. “[Eleanor] is very coachable. She is natural and embraces her character. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow. Since she is a freshman, I look forward to three more years with her,” said Bedinger.
Kalynn Marshall is a first year staff writer for the school newspaper, The Current. She likes to travel, organize things, hangout with friends and family...
Erica Lovett • Mar 30, 2023 at 8:36 pm
I knew from day 1 that Eleonor was and is a special person. I remember walking into her kindergarten class and seeing how she behaved, and interacted within her class, she wanted to answer every question and when she wasn’t called upon, she would cry. Eleonor knew every answer and would call out if she wasn’t called upon. I looked forward to coming to her class. I later on had Eleonor in after-school and she was the same, and took learning and homework serious, she always would strive for A’s and nothing less, she’ll go far and I’ll always have her and her family as my special friends ❤️
Mary T Lancaster • Mar 26, 2023 at 7:36 am
That’s my Eleanore, Mia Amore! Couldn’t be more proud. We love you so much,
Mimi & Papa