DEFT Needs You to JUDGE!
Every weekend that DEFT competes, we need to provide judges to cover our entries. Judging is fun! It is also a great way to make a consistent contribution to the DEFT program. If your child is competing, consider signing up to judge at the same tournament! You won't judge any students from Denver East, and might have a chance to watch your child compete during off-rounds.
November 8-9: The Mile High Invitational, hosted by Denver East
Every year DEFT hosts "The Mile High Invitational". Historically one of the largest tournaments in Colorado every season, with hundreds of students competing in multiple rounds of competition. The tournament also serves as a key fundraiser to the DEFT program every year. Properly hosting this massive event requires the support of the entire DEFT program, volunteering to judge at this tournament is a key contribution to the event's overall success.
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
