'Toast' Was a Success!

After a bit of a Labor Day weekend hiatus, I thought I should finally post some pictures from the 'Toast to the Team' Reception that happened last Tuesday at the Richland Country Club. The event was a huge success and a really great time as well. There are so many people to thank for supporting Tennessee State University Forensics and helping make the event possible. I can't quite thank everyone here, but I must mention our chair, Roscoe Orman and our hosts Dr. T.B. and Mrs. Yvette Boyd. Their energy and time were imperative to the success of this event, and without them, it could not have happened.

Thanks to all who attended, and a very special thank you to everyone who worked to put the event together through planning, silent auction item donation, or reading in our 'literature haven'. Because of your support, the students on our team will be afforded greater travel opportunities this year.

Now, on to some pictures!

The team meets U.S. Representative Jim Cooper

The team performs 'An Ode to Poetry'

(from l-r: Byron Harvey, Terra Strong, Wilbert Taylor, Kelli Volk, Andrea Durham, Maximilian Cole, Lanial Madden, Veronica James, Chanel Lake)

Guests applauding the team after their performance

Event Chair Roscoe Orman socializes with TSU Arts & Sciences Dean, Dr. Gloria Johnson, and TSU First Lady, Dr. Marcy Johnson

A few of the team members strike a pose

(from l-r: Byron Harvey, Kelli Volk, Chanel Lake, Lanial Madden, Veronica James)

TSU President Dr. Melvin Johnson and one of our event guests.

The team poses with Roscoe Orman

(back row, l-r: Coach Jerome Davis, Chanel Lake, Byron Harvey, Maximilian Cole, Kelli Volk, Wilbert Taylor, Roscoe Orman, Terra Strong, Andrea Durham, Veronica James, Coach Ben Unanaowo; front row, l-r: Derrick Johnson, Lanial Madden)

In other news, we are now focusing on getting events ready for the first tournament of the season-hosted by TSU on September 17-19. We are looking for judges for the event, so spread the word!

Support for the Toast and the Team

Yesterday, the Tennessee Tribune published a really wonderful advertisement/story discussing our upcoming Toast to the Team event, the event chair Roscoe Orman, and the team itself.

You can see the whole article (through their web view of the paper) on page 6B. Better yet, get yourself a subscription of this fine publication here.

We are so greatful for their support!

Press for the Toast

Our Toast To the Team media sponsor, Nashville Public Television, has posted a great article about the upcoming event with some additional information about the Forensics Team and our event's chair, Roscoe Orman! Check out the article here.

Also, remember that tickets are on sale and you can purchase them by phone at (615) 293-8422 or online at http://www.tnstate.edu/forensicstoast

In other news, this evening is the official kick-off to the pre-season workweek! The students have been working hard over the summer on new events, but tonight will be the first time since May that all of the team members and coaches will meet together. We are excited to begin a new season!

Toast to the Team - UPDATE

A new school year and another season of Tennessee State University Forensics is drawing near! Before we actually start competing, we want to remind you all to attend the Toast to the Team Fundraiser. Also, we wanted to let you know that the location has been moved from the Boyd residence to the Richland Country Club.

More details for the event:

Dr. T.B & Mrs Yvette Boyd are Proud to "Toast" Tennessee State University's Award Winning Forensics Speech Team
and welcome Roscoe Orman ("Gordon" on Sesame Street) to Nashville
at the

"Toast to the Team" Reception
A Fundraiser for Tennessee State University's
Forensics Speech Team
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
6-8 p.m.

Hosted by:
Dr. T.B. & Mrs. Yvette Boyd
Richland Country Club
One Club Drive / Nashville, TN 37215

Roscoe Orman
Roscoe Orman, who has played "Gordon" on Sesame Street for the last 37 years, will chair this elegant evening of excellence. Join us for a literature haven, where poetry, prose and drama will be read by Mr. Orman, surprise celebrity guests and Nashville notables. A silent auction with further enhance this elegant evening. All proceeds will fund scholarships and competition opportunities for TSU Forensics Speech Team.

$75 per ticket ($50 tax deductible). Limited tickets. RSVP by August 23. Business Attire.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, please call 615-293-8422 or

Buy Tickets Online

We hope to see you there!

TICKETS for the Toast to the Team Fundraiser!

Hello folks - just wanted you to know that you can now purchase tickets to the upcoming Toast to the Team fundraiser event.

To purchase tickets online, click here

We look forward to seeing you at this event in August!

Upcoming 'Toast to the Team' Reception

The Tennessee State University Forensics Team will be having a fundraiser on August 31, 2010. It's called Toast To The Team, A Literature Haven. We are excited to announce that Roscoe Orman, "Gordon" of Sesame Street will be chairing the event, and celebrity guests will be reading poetry, prose and drama.



More details to come - I look forward to seeing you there!

Phresh Mic

Last Tuesday, March 23, the entertainment group Phresh Pham hosted an open mic competition to benefit the TSU Forensics Team. The event drew musical and spoken word performers from TSU, Vanderbilt, Fisk and even a couple of area high schools. The event was judged by local artists and TSU faculty including Coach K, Coach C and Professor LaMarque. Several students on the forensics team provided entertainment between competitive performances. Congratulations to Curtis Fields for being named the top performer of the evening.

Forensics team member Wil Taylor and his guitar.

Forensics team member Terra Strong with a performance of original poetry and music.

Team Vice President Veronica James showing support

Forensicator Byron Harvey singing something soulful

TSU Forensics freshman Kelli Volk showing off her powerful singing voice

Coach K & Coach C

Team members & coaches with Austin Ashford of Phresh Pham