The Milwaukee Lutheran Forensics program has flourished under the instruction of Mrs. Carissa Ihm over the last seven years. Starting with two students in 2015, the program grew in popularity with the school and has consistent state qualifiers.
Forensics is a public-speaking competition across the state with a variety of categories, from a professional style such as Oratory which is more a persuasive speech, to more artistic categories like poetry, acting, and radio broadcasting. Students need to have their introductions memorized, then use their prepared pieces in each presentation. They must have good eye contact, a strong theme and topic, use facial expressions, meaningful gestures, and strong vocal skills. At each competition, they present their piece in three rounds against fellow competitors, scored by a random judge. It is a highly competitive field, and the team often has to drive several hours on Saturdays to get to the locations.
Students enjoy Forensics for the competition and how it grows their talents for the future. Terri Mims, a junior, competes in poetry and writes her own pieces. She is using Forensics to grow as a presenter. Nyla Williams,
a junior, wants to be a lawyer and joined the Oratory category for practice. Lee Keith, a freshman, joined the poetry category because he wants to continue working on his speech impediment and confidence. Raichel aspires to be an actress, using her skills to showcase God to the audience, and so she was in the Solo-Acting Serious category.
Malikai Mitchell, a student involved in forensics for the past three years and the senior captain, competes in the poetry category every year. He even writes his own pieces, often focusing on current events. This year, Malikai wrote a piece about himself speaking to God, and God’s response. One judge at a competition approached Mrs. Ihm about his piece. She told her it touched her faith, and that he “planted seeds” in the room with his other competitors who later asked him about his faith.
These students all participated in the Wisconsin High School Forensics Association State tournament, which meant they passed multiple rounds in Sub-District and District to earn their place in the State tournament. Making it to state alone was a huge achievement! Lee and Nyla received bronze, Raichel received silver, and Malikai and Terri received gold. Congratulations to this whole team!
Read what the students have to say about being in the program!
Nyla Williams (Class of 2023): "As a student interested in a career in litigation/law, I joined forensics with a persuasive mindset. This was my first year doing forensics (Oratory). One thing I enjoyed was being in a room full of like-minded, competitive people who all spoke with passion. As I sat and listened to the many speeches, it allowed me to think of arguments refuting those speeches, since exceptional lawyers can argue both sides. To add fantasy to the professional setting, I’d always think of myself as an attorney proposing my idea to a courtroom while I spoke. I’d forced the audience to listen to my speech while clearly stating why my idea was the best for the country. Forensics has allowed a light to shine not only on me, but my teammates also. Seeing the talent of these leaders has motivated to want even more for myself in forensics. In the end, I was able to build on my speech with their help, become a better speaker, persuader, articulate clearly, and hold much more power when I speak. Forensics 2022 was definitely a season filled with memories I will never forget."
Terri Mims (Class of 2023): "My first season of forensics was amazing. I’ve seen so much improvement in my speaking over the course of the competition season. I joined forensics because it was an opportunity to use and share my speaking and writing gifts, just as there are sports for athletes to use their athletic gifts. I came in nervous and didn’t know what to expect, but as the season progressed, I learned so much. With the feedback from the judges I was able to improve each competition, and even outside forensics. I am so glad I was able to be in such a program and meet so many amazing people. To be surrounded by young people with similar interests and passions as me was awesome and unforgettable."
Raichel West (Class of 2025): "Forensics has changed me in almost every way possible. It enabled me to not only speak better and perform in front of crowds, but it improved my acting skills and my self-esteem. The judges would always tell me the pros and cons of my performance and I would get better and better each time, and as an aspiring actress, the advice really helped. I formed connections and friendships with people I never would have, and in a judgment-free zone. There are always large crowds of people my age and I could always relate to anyone I spoke to. It was a worthwhile experience and I will definitely do it again next year!"
Lee Keith (Class of 2025): "What I've learned about being in Forensics is the different point of view of others and that everyone can be great at something. I had a speech impediment for a while and even with something messing up my pronunciation, along with other people in Forensics, you can still be great. You also have to be able to listen to the other point of view instead of throwing it to the side and focusing on yourself. You need to be able to hear what people say and apply it to your work. The best part about it is that you can meet incredible people while doing Forensics. It's a good way in making friends at meets that you may see again. They're all friendly and are always cheering you on and hope you do your best."
Malikai Mitchell (Class of 2022): "What I've learned about being in forensics is how to take constructive criticism. That has been one of the most challenging aspects of forensics. It has also shown me that there are people out there who care about the work that you're doing and that they want to see you do better. I joined forensics because I love to speak about topics that make people uncomfortable. What was fun about forensics was that I was able to see different people talk about different topics and how each affected not only them but those around them. The topics we choose to speak about we see as a hindrance. Talking about the topics can bring people abroad and help try to solve the problems."
