Welcome!

Dear DEFT community, 

For those who I have not had a chance to meet yet, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Grant Thomas, and I am the new Program Director of the Denver East Forensics Team (DEFT). Teaching and coaching at Denver East is a dream position for myself and I can't wait to see what we accomplish together. 

This season will be my 14th year coaching speech and debate, and my tenth year as a Head Coach. Before arriving at Denver East I received my degree in education from the University of Nebraska, spending those four years in college as an assistant coach with a local high school. After graduating from college I moved to Soledad, CA and founded the speech and debate program there. The next year, I moved to Denver and started the program at SMART High School (formerly STRIVE Prep - SMART). After eight years at my former school, I felt I could not pass up the exciting opportunity of running the DEFT program. 

I fully believe in the power of speech and debate and have been able to witness firsthand it's ability to change young people and their world. It is a joy to be your child's teacher and coach, and I look forward to working closely together for many years ahead. 

All together now, 

Grant Thomas