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Debate proves itself in spring districts by Samantha Colhour writer The month of March proved to be difficult for the Debate members. Districts went on each weekend of the month. “We have done it each weekend this month,” said junior Carly Evans. “We do it on the Fridays and Saturdays of the weekends.” Not only did the members have to work hard to out speak their opponents, they also had to help out the National Forensics League, which does competitive acting, by doing something known as Reader’s Theater. Debate helped out because of the NFL’s lack of boys. “Traditionally, Reader’s Theater is when people sit on stools and tell a story, but we took it one step further and we acted it out,” said senior Christopher Williams. Evans enjoyed the chance to participate in the program.
Talleying up points after the judge’s decisions in the fall home tournament, juniors Carly Evans and Devon Whitton show their dedication to their team, as well as the commitment to they have showed all year. file photo by Lindsey Colner, special to the Log
“It was kind of difficult at first because I had never done anything like it before, but I enjoyed it in the end,” Evans said. Freshman TyQuan Baskin agreed with Evan’s sentiments. “It was pretty cool because we got to interpret the play and add in blocking
while still using the books to read from,” Baskin said. This new program allowed the group to stand out and place three out of eight teams. The group also got to try something else new, costumes. “We wanted something simple because our story was called ‘The History of Man-
“It’s a great cause,” DeRose said. “Students go through cell phones so quickly, why not earn some credit for it?” He offers 7.5 points of extra credit per phone. “It’s funny because I will see a huge influx of phones brought in at the very last minute, right before the semester is over,” DeRose said. Junior Dani Wilkerson was one student to do this. “I brought in seven phones,” Wilkerson said. “I love this opportunity because this class is difficult, and it’s nice to have an op-
portunity to get help in the class.” Psychology teacher Matthew Reynolds gave out extra credit opportunities to his class. “Most of my extra credit is designed to promote critical thinking,” Reynolds said. “I also do things like bathroom passes. I pass out six, and if they still have them at the end of the grading period, they can get credit. These teach responsibility.” While the work proves to be difficult for some, many appreciate the chance being given to them.
kind in less than 30 minutes.’” While they had to focus both on acting and debating, the team also faced the setback of weather. Districts Friday, March 19 went off without a hitch, but with the snow, the continuation of the tournament on Saturday, March 20 was postponed to the next weekend. “Ever since I have been on debate at Oak Park, we haven’t ever been snowed out, especially in the middle of the tournament,” Evans said. The team faced setbacks, but overcame the obstacles and persevere to get one of their own to go onto nationals. Junior Devon Whitton will be attending nationals in mid June to represent Oak Park. “We are really excited for Devon,” Evans said. “It’s a great accomplishment for her.”
Extra credit invigorates by Samantha Colhour copy editor With the end of the year just around the corner, students struggle to keep their grades up. A few teachers around the school offer unique extra credit opportunities for their students to succeed. History teacher Seth DeRose allowed his students to participate in an organization called “Cell Phones for Soldiers.” In this program, students brought in old cell phones to donate to soldiers in the war.
“I really like the extra credit in psychology,” said senior Allison Felton. “It requires creative thinking and a lot of effort. My favorite one has been one where there were random shapes, and we had to make pictures out of them. I got to do whatever I wanted with it, which was really nice.” With these more unique opportunities available, students were able to get credit while either helping out the community or expanding their creativity.
Q&A
with junior Devon Whitton, national debate qualifier by Samantha Colhour copy editor Q: How long have you been participating in debate? A: “I have been in debate since freshman year, and I have been doing oratory since my sophomore year.” Q: What’s your favorite thing about debate? A: “I love watching everyone else’s oratories. They can teach you life lessons and are often really funny. I don’t think I have seen that many bad ones.” Q: How does it feel to be the only one from Oak Park to go to? A: “It was mildly disappointing to be the only one, but I know they support me. I’m very proud of myself and I love having their support.” Q: What are you going to for? A:“I’m going for oratory. Oratory is a 10-minute persuasive speech that we get to write about. Mine is called ‘Oh my gosh, audience, look at my butt.’ It’s about personal images and how the media persuades the way women feel about themselves.” Q: Where is taking it place at this year? A: “Oratory nationals is actually at Oak Park this year.” Q: What are you doing to prepare for Nationals? A: “I’m really just practicing right now. I’m going to record myself so I can see how I can jazz it up and set it apart from everyone else’s.” Q: When will it be held? A: “It’s going to be in mid June.”