Ashley Bowen, Charlie Rinehart and Joel Thursam enter the MSCI Hall of Fame

MSCI is tremendously excited to honor the newest inductees to the Hall of Fame. These three coaches are important not only to this organization, but to all students in the State of Michigan who take part in speech activities.

Ashley Bowen

When talking about her induction Ms. Bowen stated that “in a time where information travels at the speed of light, a single voice can reach millions in an instant, the ability to articulate ideas with clarity and conviction is paramount. By empowering high school students to master the art of public speaking, we grant them an elevated platform from which their voices can resonate and inspire change. Theatre and Forensics provides a stepping stone for students to build their confidence, refine their beliefs, and build meaningful relationships. I am not sure there is any more valuable activity we can offer.”

Bowen added that, “This is an honor that I share with so many. I am grateful to have been mentored by great leaders and former PPS employees including: James Menchinger, Laurel Scheidt, and Brian Snell. I have been surrounded by amazing colleagues: Theresa Mills, Tyler Baas, and Elizabeth Honeysett. And I could not be more lucky than to work for a principal, Eric Alburtus, who sees the value in this event and works hard to support all activities where students shine.”

Ms. Bowen has been a coach and teacher for over 15 years, and during that time, she has made a significant impact on the lives of countless students. Her leadership and guidance have helped students find their voice and gain confidence in their communication skills. She has coached students in various speech categories to both state and national championships including three team state championships at Portage Northern.

Ashley’s impact on the speech education community extends beyond her coaching abilities. She has served as Vice President of The Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association (MIFA) for 8 years, serving on various committees and contributing to the organization’s growth and development. She is an excellent mentor for new coaches and has played an integral part in advocating for continued speech education at the state level.

Charlie Rinehart

When talking about his induction Mr. Rinehart stated that he is “proud to be recognized for what I’ve given to this community and am honored to join those who came before me as Michigan Speech Coach Hall of Famers. People’s number one fear is public speaking; speech activities build confidence in students of all ages. Support from our institutions will only provide success for our students as they move beyond the classroom and apply all they’ve gained in their future endeavors. I think speech activities are extremely important and should be supported throughout the state. When we consider everything going on in the world, empowering people to speak is a necessary tool for positive growth as a culture and community.”

When speaking about Mr. Rinehart at his induction, MSCI member Jeff Butts said that “as my high school and college forensics coach, Charlie taught me essential lessons about public speaking, empathy, and compassion. As my college professor, Charlie has taught me about critical thinking and how to be an educated and good human being. And as my friend and mentor, Charlie has been a source of advice, and a shoulder to lean on.”

This year marks Mr. Rinehart’s 19th year of coaching. He began at Fitzgerald High School for two years. Rinehart then worked at Henry Ford II High School, coaching both Forensics and Debate, before moving on to Oakland University where he has worked for the last 15 years. In his time coaching, his students have had tremendous success: Multiple State Finalists and Champions in both Forensics and Debate at both the high school and college level; OU team went to National tournaments in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, and California; 4 former Oakland students are currently assisting programs in the state at Walled Lake Western, Detroit Country Day, and Birmingham, Groves; two of these former students served as Graduate Assistants to the Oakland Speech Team as well.

Joel Thursam

When talking about his induction Mr. Thursam stated that “I feel very honored and much appreciative of the recognition. It is as much about the students who I have been lucky to have over the years and the many students who have come back to help both programs continue to operate and be successful over the years.”

He went on to say, “more than anything else I have gotten so much feedback over the years - sometimes over 10 years later - from ex students who state how the most beneficial activity or learning they had in high school was participating in either debate or forensics - that they learned skills that help them in all walks of life - more than even courses they took in college. Speech Activities give students and young people the opportunity to find their voice, build their confidence, and learn valuable life skills that will forever help them. I’m very grateful and hope that speech activities continue to flourish not just in my region but throughout the state.”

This year marks Mr. Thursam’s 21st year of coaching. In his time at West Bloomfield, his students have had tremendous success: West Bloomfield Debate has won the state championship in both Varsity and Novice levels; Debate has also been a semifinalist over a dozen times as well as a finalist 3 additional times; West Bloomfield Forensics has had numerous state finalists from 2nd place Extemporaneous Speaking in 2003 to 1st place in Poetry last year; The Forensics Team has had about 20 students make the final round in the State Tournament; West Bloomfield has hosted a debate tournament for 20 years and has hosted the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association’s State Debate Tournament on 3 occasions as well as hosting various workshops for the same organization.

Originally published in the MSCI Year in Review, October 2023.