The simple definition of forensics is competitive speech and debate, but it is much more than that.

Upper St. Clair High School forensics coach Richard Platts said the USC forensics club practices weekly throughout the year, emphasizing skills in speech, interpretation of literature, and argumentation. "It's a heck of a lot of work," said Platts, "but it's really rewarding."

For example, in the extemporaneous category of speech, a student will get a topic, and then have 20 minutes to prepare a seven minute speech. Platts explained that the topic is usually related to current events, and at the national level of competition is divided into domestic and international events. Students work throughout the year to prepare boxes of files for competition, which is the only information they can use when preparing their speech.

For those competing in the public forum debate category, students must prepare for both sides of an issue. A coin toss determines if they are pro-case or con-case. Platts said last month's public forum debate topic was: "Resolved, the U.S. system of presidential primaries is contrary to democratic values."

Blecher and McNally won first place in the Duo Interpretation of Literature event in all three district level forensics leagues - PHSSL, CFL, and NFL. USC captured first place a few years ago with Brendan's brother Andrew McNally and his partner winning the honor, making USC the only school in the state to have placed first in Duo Interpretation twice in the eight years that this event has been part of the competition

In addition to the work of the team members who practice for hours after school, the support of parents who help at the forensic events, and the leadership of team sponsors Platts and Dave Watson also played a role in the forensic team's success this year.

Now, USC is preparing for upcoming national tournaments. Competing at the CFL Grand National Tournament in Appleton, Wisconsin this May are: public forum debate - Sandeep Jain and Noah Simmons, Josh Gao and Akhil Venkatasen; Lincoln Douglas debate - Kathryn Lin; dramatic interpretation - Sidney Kushner, Chelsea Cramer; prose/poetry - Jalpa Patel; extemporaneous - Brent Heard; original oratory - Meera Babu; and duo interpretation - Mishan Blecher and Brendan McNally.

Qualifying for the NFL National Tournament in Las Vegas this June are: dramatic interpretation - Chelsea Cramer, Sidney Kushner; duo interpretation - Mishan Blecher and Brendan McNally; Lincoln Douglas debate - JP Gooderham ( also qualified in domestic extemporaneous speaking).

To help defray the costs associated with attending the national competitions, members of the USC forensics team will perform their pieces for the public at the 2008 Speech and Debate Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8 in the Upper St. Clair High School LGI.

The evening consists of two acts, split by an intermission. During the intermission, students will perform their pieces in the cafeteria in a "street performance" style. Donations will be accepted.