Whitefish Bay Forensics Team Receives National Recognition

The forensics team's accomplishments have earned national recognition by a national forensics and debate organization.

The National Forensic League placed the team in the league's 200 Club Award for 2011, putting the Whitefish Bay chapter in the top 5 percent of the more than 2,800 high school chapters nationally. The 200 Club Award is a distinction that is awarded to schools that generate 200 or more degrees during the year. Degrees are earned by students and based on the amount of points they accrue.

In the Southern Wisconsin District of the league, only Brookfield East High School has more degrees. Throughout the entire state, the only other school with more degrees is Appleton East High School.

Last year, the team in the Wisconsin Forensic Coaches' Association State Tournament and sent a to the National Catholic Forensic League championships in Washington D.C.

Forensics advisor Shawn Matson said he is proud of the work that has gone into Whitefish Bay's forensics program.

"As a coach, I do my best to make sure we can have a successful program. But it has been the kids on the team — and their parents and our community — who have made our success possible," he said. "I take pride in recognizing the work of the Whitefish Bay students, past and present, who have strived for excellence in forensics and debate. And this is just one marker of that strong tradition."

Additionally, Matson received the Donus D. Roberts Quad Ruby Coach Award for reaching 1,000 coaching points. A coach receives one-tenth of every point that their students have accumulated. This is the highest award possible for a coach who has been coaching for less than five years.

Matson said the award is a direct reflection of the performance of the students.

"Every year, more kids show up, they work harder, and they reach the pinnacle of competition," he said. "Every year, we set new records. And every year, I have the outstanding privilege of working with kids who are able to find their voice in this activity."