Statement from Sondra Schmidt

Yet another in an ongoing series of statements from juniors who are interested in being officers next year. As always, your private comments are appreciated. Email me by clicking here.

My name is Sondra Schmidt and I would be very interested in becoming captain of forensics next year. I am a junior and although I have only had one season with the team I believe that I could do a great job as captain. This year’s captains did a wonderful job. I am aware that it is going to be hard trying to fill their shoes as captain next year. I am very organized, hard working, and driven and I believe that with these skills I will be able to contribute greatly to the forensics team. I believe that having participated only one season may actually help me be a better captain. Although I believe that experience is very important to lead a club such as this, I also believe that having new ideas and looking at things from another point of view may complement the other captains’ experience and together we would be able to implement worthwhile changes as well as make sure the team is running smoothly.

I became involved with forensics late this year (just before the first meet). This was because I had not heard of it before that time. I believe that many athletes, as well as students who are involved with many other after school activities may be able to contribute greatly to forensics. By having a variety of students on the team we will have a competitive advantage at the competitions. Through having one or two optional meetings in the morning per week, we will not only increase the amount of practice time, but we will also be able to have members who are not free after school. I believe that with many outstanding graduating seniors leaving us next year, we must focus on expanding the team, especially to freshman and sophomores who will have many years ahead of them to excel in forensics. I believe that by going to the freshman/ sophomore study hall the first week and giving a brief presentation about forensics, we will succeed in expanding our team. We must make it clear that forensics is a lot of fun and that in joining students will not only make new friends, but also learn a great deal.

Because novices may be unsure of what event they want to do, we should set up a novice night where each novice member gets paired up with one or more varsity members who discuss with them the different events and helps them find the ones they can excel in. After they have found the events they are interested in, they can each be paired up with a varsity member who is in that event. The varsity member would help introduce them to other members of the team and make sure that they feel comfortable in meetings and meets. The varsity member will act as the novice’s advisor for the remainder of the year and help them with pieces in that event. This will result in a greater connection between the novices and varsity members and therefore the team will grow stronger.

I believe that my ideas, dedication, and hard work make me the perfect fit for captain. I will take time to make sure that everyone feels like part of the team and understands the large commitment that forensics is. I believe that through lots of hard work we can have a very fun, successful season.