IE forensics, virtually perfect: the season that quietly happened

While the pandemic raged around us, closing schools, canceling sports, and turning our lives upside down the IE Forensics season quietly, and quite remarkably, just...happened. Thanks to the innovative thinking of the MIFA office and IE committee, led by Danielle Tier, hundreds of students were given the opportunity to compete online. Without the efforts of these smart, dedicated speech coaches, we would not have had a season. So on behalf of the entire IE community, allow me to say, “Thank You!”.

Ruth Kay was this year’s recipient of the prestigious Diana Rose Award for her contributions to the IE community. Ruth has dedicated her life to speech activities, serving on councils, boards, and committees in MIFA, MSCI, National Federation of State High School Associations, National Communication Association, and Central State Association. This year, Ruth was instrumental in adopting and implementing Tabroom and NSDA competition rooms. She became an invaluable resource to directors, coaches, judges, & students working countless hours to ensure the IE season could happen.

The 2020-2021 IE season culminated in a slightly modified state tournament April 30 - May 1. State championships went to Portage Central, Class A, coached by Tyler Baas, Grand Rapids Christian, Class B, coached by Brian Karsten, & Greenhills School, Class C/D, coached by Ben Bellamy. Congratulations to everyone who made the tournament possible.

While this season will be remembered as one of great challenges and difficulties, it was also one of innovation and creativity. Virtual competition brought exciting changes to rules, events, performance standards, and judging paradigms. As a community, we embraced technology and experimented and accepted new norms. And while none of the changes are exactly what we wanted, the knowledge that we are capable of such resiliency and adaptability is...perfect.

Full results from the 2021 MIFA State Finals →

Originally published in the MSCI Year in Review, May 2021.