DOER
F
inonline
LAURELSC I I DT
ing, extemporaneous speaking and
impromptu speaking."
City: Portage
Kudos: Forensics Hall of
Famer
Native Detroiter Laurel Scheidt was
recently inducted into the Michigan
Speech Coaches Hall of Fame by a vote of
her peers. She the head forensics coach
and theater director at Portage Northern
High in west Michigan, joining the staff
in 1995. She taught previously in
Chicago and Kalamazoo before taking
time off to raise two sons. During those off
years, she acted in theater productions,.
taught in a synagogue school and headed
a Hadassah chapter: Her parents are
Thelma and Harvey bpsitt of West
Bloomfield. Husband Michael Scheidt,
and her two sons Adam and Robert
Weiner, all serve as assistant coaches.
What's your teaching philosophy?
"I always tell my students, 'Forensics
will change your life!' And I really
believe that. They learn discipline in the
rehearsal process, sharpen their writing
and research skills, become excellent
speakers, develop poise and feel confi-
dent in a competitive environment. If
they can prepare their events, present in
J
What is your role as coach?
"I work individually with my 90 stu-
dents. I really get to know them and we
develop a strong rapport. I use my
drama background when I coach the
interpretive events and I'm continually
searching for literature that will make
),
strong forensics pieces.
How have your teams done?
"I've coached three consecutive Class
A state championship teams, eight sec-
ond-place state teams, 27 individual
state champions and hundreds of state
finalists and semifinalists. I've also
coached 24 individual forensics novice
state champions. I'm district chairman
of the National Forensics League and 30
of my students have qualified for the
nationals in the last 10 years." Li
Laurel Scheidt displays her Hall of
Fame plaque.
front of judges and fellow competitors,
they will be ready for many life commu-
nication challenges."
— Robert A. Sklar; editor
/REPORT A DOER...
Just what is forensics?
"Forensics is 12 different events. Six
are interpretive — like drama, prose,
poetry, storytelling, duo and multiple.
And six are public speaking — includ-
ing informative, oratory, sales, broadcast-
Know a Doer — someone of any age doing
interesting, meaningful things in their life
outside of their job? Share suggestions with
Keri Guten Cohen, story development editor
at (248) 351-5144 or e-mail:
ccohen@thejewishnews.com
THIS WEEK
vvww.detroitjewishnews.corn
Friday, July 30, 2004 • Av 12, 5764
Vol. CXXV, No. 25
Amid the Detroit skyline — standing, Jon Rosenthal,
Alan Levy, Amy Israel, Jackie Victor, Randall
Fogelman; seated, Mitch Alexander, Steve Tobocman
Photography, Angie Baan • Page design, Kelli Johnson
Cover Story
Teens
The Scene
World
22 Rockin' The D
Jewish "urban pioneers "
help rejuvenate Detroit.
Ann Arbor
AppleTree
Arts & Life
Business
Calendar
Crossword
Food
Letters
Marketplace
Mazel Toy!
Metro
Opinion
Something Extra .
Spirituality
Synagogues
52
42
47
41
12
88
59
6
71
65
14
39
10
61
63
26
44
32
Additional photographs of the
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JNArts & Life cover story can
be found at
www.detroitjewishnews.com
You can also find there addition-
al photos from Federation's 2004
Michigan Teen Mission to Israel.
jewish.com
) What Makes Arafat Tick?
Is he as transparent as he sometimes
seems to be or is he the enigma he
appears to be at other times? In his
Jewish.com column, Micah Halpern
takes a look at Yasser Arafat today
— the man, the manipulations, his
credo.
) When Boy Meets Non.Jewish Girl
When Paulette Mann's younger son
met the gal he planned to marry, she
and her husband flew to California
to meet her. She was bright, beauti-
ful, funny and not Jewish. Find out
how one family dealt with an inter-
faith marriage on the Jewish.com
channel, InterFaith Family.
dotCOM SURVEY
Who was the most impressive
speaker at the Democratic
National Convention?
*John Kerry?
*John Edwards?
*Bill Clinton?
*Other?
*I wasn't impressed by anyone!
To answer, click on
COLUMNISTS
George Cantor . . . .39
Danny Raskin . . . .56
Robert Sklar 5
Gail Zimmerman . .48
In
Last Call. Columnist Harry
Kirsbaum looks at both sides of
free speech: page 70
OBITUARIES
Jack Peitz
92
Vida Gold.gar
92
Betty Silverfarb . . 98
4.4,0. ,sloc
101
m swig"
• AJeA
MICHIGAN PRESS ASSOCUGION
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Friday, July 30, 8:36 p.m.
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