Forensics 2026

The Power of Performance: RAHS Forensics Builds Confidence and Community

By, 

Kallen Barker

The RAHS Forensics team is proving to be a powerhouse of dedicated performers this season. According to head coach and English teacher Nicole Bruer, the group has quickly evolved from a group of curious explorers into a disciplined team of competitive speakers and actors. 

The team’s District competition is coming up Saturday, March 21st. Those who achieve a high enough score will advance to the State Tournament in April. 

Bruer noted that the season began with high numbers of students eager to discover the craft of competitive performance. "At this point in our season we've gone from getting to know each other... to choosing categories and topics, and finally to writing and rehearsing," Bruer said. This year’s team is particularly focused on building a legacy of excellence following the graduation of several veteran members last spring.

The workload is intense, reflecting the high professional standards of the organization, which is moderated by both Bruer and her assistant, history teacher,  Mr. Dave Moon. Whether students are engaged in traditional speechwriting or dramatic readings, the preparation is rigorous. "If it's a traditional speech category it takes time to come up with the topic, write the speech... and then begin reciting and memorizing," Bruer explained. 

Madison Ingman '27, a team leader, emphasized that this discipline is what sets the team apart: "The skills I have learned is that you need to prepare and be well prepared because everyone has the same goal as you do,” said Ingman.

For senior Olivia Schafer, a competitor in Radio News Speaking, the pressure of competition is a tool for sharpening her professional skills. "My biggest challenge has been pronouncing words correctly," Schafer said, noting that she studies recent news stories to master difficult names. This high-stakes environment has taught her to "think quickly on my feet," a skill that she said translates directly to real-world success.

The result of this hard work is success in competitions and also significant boosts in personal confidence. For many, public speaking is one of the least desired activities - for those in Forensics, it is something that becomes second nature.

 "I enjoy Forensics because I feel like it really brings out a new side of me that not everyone gets to see," Ingman said. "They (Bruer and Moon)  have helped me with my confidence.”

Despite the individual nature of many categories, Bruer said the team operates as a tight-knit "content literate community" where members support one another's growth. "I think the biggest skill to find success in this organization is the camaraderie and support of teammates," Bruer said.

 Ingman agreed, describing the team as being "full of amazing people" who are "very open minded and very kind".

Ultimately, the team is driven by a shared ambition for excellence at the highest levels. "I'm working towards the state competition and to hopefully place top 5 at state," Ingman said

 For Bruer, the true success lies in the character of her students. "Forensics kids are some of the most friendly young people I have ever worked with or coached," she said.