MILWAUKEE - Forensics about community and encouraging others. The team’s positive attitude and determination has helped them to continue the legacy left behind from previous members and create their own. After having such a positive season the team wants to expand and promote the sport of forensics.

“Everyone says we’re not a sport, but we work just as hard and if not harder than other teams,” said senior Miloran Robison.

“We had a great season. The team has become small and one of our goals is to grow the team,” said Spanish teacher and head forensics coach Diane Hardy.

Hardy, involved in forensics since her middle school years and a judge and guest coach at Milwaukee King, took over the program after the departure of former coach Adam Jacob.

“Forensics takes a kid from being an average student and makes them a great student,” she said.

Throughout the year the forensics team has taken confidence and skill into local competitions and two national tournaments in Illinois and at Harvard. The team had 11 entries at the state competition, and seven made it to the semifinals.

Senior Jessica Holden took second out of hundreds of students competing in poetry.

“I’ve been on the varsity forensics team for two years now, and it’s one of the best experiences I’ve had as far as being on a team and being a part of something as a whole. Every time one of us wins something it’s like we all won it,” she said.

Along with Holden three members went to the semifinals in group discussion, and two in the Moments in History category.

The support and talent the forensics team has built during its weekly practices (where students often listen to each other and critique) helps members develop trust and confidence in front of their peers.

“At King it’s been awesome! Everyone has been really supportive ever since my freshmen year,” said junior Samantha Goodwill, who competes in Moments in History.

One of the main goals Hardy has for the forensics team is to reach out to students who wouldn’t normally do forensics. Hardy wants students to know the huge advantages, socially and academically.

Forensics helps develop speaking skills, thinking skills, confidence and the opportunity to meet people not only from Rufus King, but all over the state and country.

“I know people from Ashwaubenon and Mukwonago. At debate tournaments you can just go run up to people and give hugs. It’s so close knit. I can go to Atlanta and have friends; I can go to Baltimore and have friends. It’s national,” said senior Miloran Robison.

The hard work and effort that the forensics team puts in to every event is well worth it because of how close knit they are.    “I don’t mind getting up early on a Saturday morning because everyone involved in this activity is really great. Everyone contributes,” said Hardy.

The forensics team welcomes anyone to join next year even for only half the season.