by Scott Placke

Top Row (L to R): Luke Yamulla, Aaron Walker, Daniel Gonzalez, Scott Placke, Chris Mayer, Kaitlin Kinsella, Saeed Malami
Bottom Row (L to R): Yazmin Baptiste, Olivia Coughlin, Emily Boyle, Jennie Richardson

WEST CHESTER, PA – On February 18-19, the Lafayette Forensics Society attended the Pennsylvania Forensics Association’s annual championship tournament.  Lafayette placed second as a team over all and earned three state championships in Dramatic Interpretation, Impromptu Speaking, and Poetry Interpretation. Ten students, Director of Forensics Scott Placke, and alumni Beth Wehler attended the competition.  The tournament was hosted by West Chester University.

Coach and Director, Scott Placke said, “I am extremely proud of these students. They worked really hard and have built a strong team spirit. They make every tournament fun. Many of them are first year competitors and I can’t wait to see what they do next!”

Here is a list of the awards that Lafayette took home from the competition:

After Dinner Speaking – Saeed Malami – 4th
Dramatic Interpretation – Olivia Coughlin – 1st; Saeed Malami – 5th
Dramatic Duo Interpretation – Yazmin Baptiste / Olivia Coughlin – 2nd
Extemporaneous Speaking – Aaron Walker – 3rd; Chris Mayer – 4th
Impromptu Speaking – Aaron Walker – 1st
Informative Speaking – Kaitlin Kinsella – 5th
Persuasive Speaking – Kaitlin Kinsella – 6th
Poetry Interpretation – Yazmin Baptiste – 1st ; Daniel Gonzalez – 6th
Prose Interpretation – Yazmin Baptiste – 3rd; Olivia Coughlin – 4th

Seven schools attended the competition including: Saint Joseph’s University, Penn. State University, Wilkes University, Cedar Crest College, Luzerne Community College, West Chester University, and Lafayette College