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Speak Up!
Heck Yeah!
Coaches
Head Coach
Hannah Thomas-Perez
Ms. Perez (she/her) has done Prose and DI. She loves all events, but especially loves coaching Interp and PA (basically everything)! Her favorite color is pink and her favorite part of each season is seeing the growth each student makes. You can come to her if you need help choosing a piece, understanding the “why” to your piece, or need help adding emotion to an LP or PA event.
Assistant Coach
Drew Dixon
Mr. Dixon (he/him) is thrilled to be back for his second straight Forensics season with Portage Northern! He loves coaching Interp and PA, with a focus on Extemporaneous Speaking. His favorite part of each season is watching students grow and improve as speakers! Come to him if you need anything at all!
Assistant Coach
Luis Raziel Barbosa ​braziel358@gmail.com
Mr. Barbosa is excited to be part of this Forensics season. As an actor and former competitor, Forensics has a special place in his heart. In high school, his favorite events were DI, Duo, and Multiple. While this is his first year coaching, he is honored to support student performers as they refine their craft through creativity and collaboration. Luis loves seeing the unique choices students make when interpreting books, musicals, plays, and films. It is one of the best parts of celebrating the many perspectives of the human experience.
Assistant Coach
Öba Ellis
Mr. Öba believes Forensics was one of the best parts of his high school experience. His team felt like family, and the friendships he made extended far beyond his own school. He treasures the connections built with competitors from other cities and districts, people he learned from and grew with. The Forensics community and the shared love for performance remain some of his fondest memories, and he is excited to be part of helping students create their own lasting experiences this season.
Assistant Coach
Ms. Thrash competed in Forensics throughout high school in both Dramatic Interpretation and Storytelling, which sparked her love for bringing characters and stories to life. Now, as a coach, she loves working with students across all interpretation events, especially Sales and Informative, to help them find their voice and bring their pieces to life. Forensics is such an empowering community that builds confidence, creativity, and connection, and she is so excited to help you grow and reach your goals both on and off the stage.
Assistant Coach
Mr. Gilman competed in forensics for three seasons with two years being in Multiple, and one year in Dramatic Interpretation. While he loves those two events, he is willing to help anyone, regardless of the event. His favorite part of forensics has to be the growth and creativity people show throughout the season. Having been a competitor and judge, he has seen many performances across all events, and he is impressed by how unique each competitor is, and how they grow from week to week. As a coach, he is excited to work with you, and help you grow and reach your goals.
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