The 'Eagle Times' Student Newspaper

Many of the students who participated in the musical this year are also enrolled in forensics. (Photo By MB Rader)

Taking the stage in forensics

Senior Kasey Clark sets high goals

By Jill Lira

February 01, 2005

Forensics is a sport of emotion, integrity and talent. Those who join possess all of those qualities, but one student who exceeds the limits is senior Kasey Clark.

Clark has participated in forensics for the past three years, earning him many awards and much recognition. Last year was his highlight year because of all that he accomplished.

According to Clark, last year he was a national qualifier and competed at the national tournament in Boston. He also attended the National Forensics League (NFL) national qualifier tournament.

In addition, Clark captured fourth place at state last year, competing a duet with Mary Beth Rader, senior at Silver Lake High School. The piece was called, “Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter” by Bruce Cameron.

Clark has high expectations for this season and knows that he is going to have to work hard.

“I really am pushing myself this year. I am busy right now, but that is no excuse to not excel in forensics,” Clark stated.

As a sophomore, Clark decided to join the squad because of his mother’s devote attitude toward forensics when she was his age.

“I originally joined because my mother was very into forensics. She really inspired me to do it,” Clark commented.

Along with his mother being involved in forensics, Clark looks to Rader for his inspiration.

“I would have to say Mary Beth has been my inspiration for a number of reasons. Last year, two weeks before state, she picked up a new piece and memorized it. She ended up taking first. That really inspired me to push myself because my duet partner is that good,” Clark explained.

Rader and Clark are notorious for their success with duet pieces. This year they are performing “Stop Kiss” by Diana Son. It is about two people who become friends and have to overcome obstacles together.

Rader feels that this piece will be difficult for them as actors because their characters are serious. Although it may be a challenge, Rader feels that they can accomplish it.

“It is going to be more of a challenge. This will be the first time we have done anything this serious, but I know both of us are up for it,” Rader stated.

Forensics can be a very emotional sport, but for Clark and the rest of the squad, Gail Naylor, head coach, is definitely there when they need her.

“Mrs. Naylor is always there when we need to be pushed. She is also always there when we need emotional support. She is our emotional crutch,” said Clark.

This season, Clark is very busy trying to decipher between his forensics scripts and the spring play. Clark is striving to shine in both.

“I am working on the play and forensics right now, so I have to push myself. It’s memorizing like 40 minutes of scripts,” Clark said.

This year, Clark plans on performing a dramatic interpretation, humorous interpretation, and his duet with Rader. Their first tournament is Feb. 4-5 at Washburn Rural High School, and Clark has already made his intentions clear.

“I expect to get two medals out of the tournament,” Clark said. “I’m really going to push myself because I got two medals at the tournament last year, and I know I can do it again.”