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Coordinates: 39°32′30″N 76°59′32″W / 39.54167°N 76.99222°W / 39.54167; -76.99222
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| image_size =
| image_size =
| caption =
| caption =
| established = 1899
| streetaddress = 1225 Washington Rd.
| streetaddress = 1225 Washington Rd.
| city = [[Westminster, Maryland|Westminster]]
| city = [[Westminster, Maryland|Westminster]]
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| coordinates = {{coord|39|32|30|N|76|59|32|W|type:edu_region:US-MD|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|39|32|30|N|76|59|32|W|type:edu_region:US-MD|display=inline,title}}
| principal = Katie Nefflen
| principal = Katie Nefflen
| type = [[State school|Public]]
| type = [[State school|Public]] [[Secondary school|high school]]
| grades = [[Ninth grade|9]]–[[Twelfth grade|12]]
| grades = 9–12
| slogan =
| slogan =
| fight_song = On Westminster
| fight_song = On Westminster
| motto =
| motto =
| rival = N/A
| rival =
| accreditation =
| accreditation =
| mascot = OWL
| mascot = Owl
| mascot_image =
| mascot_image =
| sports = Football, Field Hockey, Soccer, Golf, Baseball, Basketball, Softball, Lacrosse, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track and Field
| sports = Football, Field Hockey, Soccer, Golf, Baseball, Basketball, Softball, Lacrosse, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track and Field
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| team_name =
| team_name =
| nickname =
| nickname =
| colors = Columbia Blue and White
| colors = Columbia blue and white<br>{{colorbox|#9BDDFF}}{{colorbox|White}}
| yearbook = The Owl
| yearbook = The Owl
| publication = Quintessence
| publication = Quintessence
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| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| picture =
| picture =
| homepage = {{url|carrollk12.org/schools/high/whs}}
| homepage = {{URL|carrollk12.org/schools/high/whs}}
}}
}}


'''Westminster Senior High School''' is a [[high school]] located in [[Westminster, Maryland|Westminster]], [[Maryland]], United States.
'''Westminster High School''' is a [[state school|public]] [[high school]] located in [[Westminster, Maryland|Westminster]], [[Maryland]], United States. It is part of the [[Carroll County Public Schools (Maryland)|Carroll County Public Schools]] system.


The school, which is a part of the [[Carroll County Public Schools (Maryland)|Carroll County Public School System]] (CCPS), has an enrollment of approximately 3,680 students in 1987. There are about 400 full-time teachers on staff.
WHS is the largest and the oldest high school in [[Carroll County, Maryland|Carroll County]] and is one of the largest high schools in the state of Maryland. It houses the County BEST Program.


==Extracurricular activities==
WHS is the largest and the oldest high school in the [[Carroll County, Maryland|Carroll County]] Public School System and is one of the largest high schools in the state of Maryland. It also houses the County BEST Program.
⚫
===Speech and Debate Program===

⚫
== Speech and Debate Program==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:WestminsterHighBalloon.JPG|thumb|]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:WestminsterHighBalloon.JPG|thumb|]] -->


The High School's Speech and Debate Team was founded in September 2006. The Speech and Debate program at WHS offers students with the ability to engage in competitive speech and debate tournaments held at the local, state, and national levels. Students attend weekly meetings and are constantly immersed in a rigorous cycle of research and preparation for the Speech and Debate events in which they are participating and competing in.{{citation needed|date=December 2011}}
The high school's Speech and Debate Team was founded in September 2006. The Speech and Debate program at WHS offers students with the ability to engage in competitive speech and debate tournaments held at the local, state, and national levels. Students attend weekly meetings and are constantly immersed in a rigorous cycle of research and preparation for the Speech and Debate events in which they are participating and competing in.{{citation needed|date=December 2011}}


In 2007, WHS hosted the Galactic Catholic Forensics League tournament for the first time in school history.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} The Owls finished in first place at BCFL Finals in Debate Sweepstakes, and qualified for [[National Catholic Forensics League]] Nationals held in Dallas, Texas, and finished nationally as octofinalists in Public Forum Debate.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} In 2008, the team qualified for NCFL Nationals in Appleton, Wisconsin.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} There, they finished nationally as double octofinalists in Public Forum Debate.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}
In 2007, WHS hosted the Galactic Catholic Forensics League tournament for the first time in school history.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} The Owls finished in first place at BCFL Finals in Debate Sweepstakes, and qualified for [[National Catholic Forensics League]] Nationals held in Dallas, Texas, and finished nationally as octofinalists in Public Forum Debate.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} In 2008, the team qualified for NCFL Nationals in Appleton, Wisconsin.<ref name="2008n">{{cite web |title=National Catholic Forensic League Grand Nationals 2008 |url=https://www.ncfl.org/uploads/7/3/2/8/7328308/ncfl_results_-_2008.pdf |website=www.ncfl.org |access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref> There, they finished nationally as double octofinalists in Public Forum Debate.<ref name="2008n" />


The team qualified for Skechers Locals in Albany, New York, where students finished locally as double octofinalists in Public Forum Debate.
The team qualified for Skechers Locals in Albany, New York, where students finished locally as double octofinalists in Public Forum Debate.


In 2010, team members qualified for NCFL Grand National Tournament held at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Public Forum Debate.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} There a student finished nationally as a quarterfinalist.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}
In 2010, team members qualified for NCFL Grand National Tournament held at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Public Forum Debate.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} There a student finished nationally as a quarterfinalist.<ref>{{cite web |title=National Catholic Forensic League 2010 Grand National Tournament May 29 - 30, 2010 Omaha, Nebraska |url=https://www.ncfl.org/uploads/7/3/2/8/7328308/ncfl_results_-_2010.pdf |website=www.ncfl.org |access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref>


In 2011, WHS finished in first place in Debate Sweepstakes at BCFL finals.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} Team members qualified for NCFL Nationals in Washington DC., and several finished nationally as octofinalists (top 16).{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}
In 2011, WHS finished in first place in Debate Sweepstakes at BCFL finals.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} Team members qualified for NCFL Nationals in Washington D.C., and several finished nationally as octofinalists (top 16).{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}


=== Events, judges, leagues, and tournaments===
==== Events, judges, leagues, and tournaments ====


Prospective team members are offered to compete in Speech and Debate events. These events are commonly offered at a variety of tournaments that the Owls attend every year. Each event requires a certain degree of specialization that demands expertise and experience in order to accrue a winning record. Event competition becomes more and more challenging, as tournament venues increase in size and prestige.
Prospective team members are offered to compete in Speech and Debate events. These events are commonly offered at a variety of tournaments that the Owls attend every year. Each event requires a certain degree of specialization that demands expertise and experience in order to accrue a winning record. Event competition becomes more and more challenging, as tournament venues increase in size and prestige.
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The Speech and Debate program at WHS offers a variety of competitive forms of speech and debate, including Extemporaneous Speaking, Student Congress, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Public Forum Debate. Students at WHS most heavily participate in Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas Debate.
The Speech and Debate program at WHS offers a variety of competitive forms of speech and debate, including Extemporaneous Speaking, Student Congress, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Public Forum Debate. Students at WHS most heavily participate in Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas Debate.


=====Public Forum Debate=====
====Public Forum Debate====


Public Forum Debate was the first competitive event offered by WHS.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}
Public Forum Debate was the first competitive event offered by WHS.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}
Line 76: Line 76:
Public Forum typically addresses public policy issues that are related to international relations, public administration, social issues, and economics. A sample PF topic might be, "Resolved, On Balance, the Rise of BRIC Nations is a threat to US Hegemony." Students research and articulate arguments in a series of speeches, and live "cross-fire sessions" that typically last one hour in duration. The outcome of a round is determined by a single judge, or in the case of a playoff round, a tribunal of three judges.
Public Forum typically addresses public policy issues that are related to international relations, public administration, social issues, and economics. A sample PF topic might be, "Resolved, On Balance, the Rise of BRIC Nations is a threat to US Hegemony." Students research and articulate arguments in a series of speeches, and live "cross-fire sessions" that typically last one hour in duration. The outcome of a round is determined by a single judge, or in the case of a playoff round, a tribunal of three judges.


===== Lincoln Douglas Debate =====
==== Lincoln Douglas Debate ====


<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:LincolnDouglasGeneric.JPG|thumb|{{deletable image-caption|Thursday, 10 November 2011}}]] -->
<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:LincolnDouglasGeneric.JPG|thumb|{{deletable image-caption|Thursday, 10 November 2011}}]] -->
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All judges for Carroll County Debate League, Baltimore Catholic Forensics League, National Catholic Forensics League, and National Forensic League tournaments consist of volunteers. Local and state tournaments typically consist of volunteer members from the community; teachers, lawyers, doctors, parents, and debate alumni etc. Judges for National tournaments are admitted to volunteer based on a given set of criteria outlined by each individual tournament's guidelines and policies. Judges at National Tournaments typically consist of debate coaches, professors, and teachers.
All judges for Carroll County Debate League, Baltimore Catholic Forensics League, National Catholic Forensics League, and National Forensic League tournaments consist of volunteers. Local and state tournaments typically consist of volunteer members from the community; teachers, lawyers, doctors, parents, and debate alumni etc. Judges for National tournaments are admitted to volunteer based on a given set of criteria outlined by each individual tournament's guidelines and policies. Judges at National Tournaments typically consist of debate coaches, professors, and teachers.


==Drama Program and The International Thespians Society==
===Drama Program and The International Thespians Society===


The Westminster Senior High School Drama Program performs three shows a year. The show in the Fall is a straight play, the show in the Winter is a variety of one-act plays directed by students, and the show in the Spring is a musical. Westminster High School Drama also attends and performs yearly at the county-wide "Drama Fest" where every school does a variety of scenes/numbers from a chosen show of their season, and are critiqued. This event is not a contest in any way. The school's drama program has also been invited to the Fringe Festival held in Edinburgh, Scotland, but has not yet attended.
The Westminster Senior High School Drama Program performs three shows a year. The show in the Fall is a straight play, the show in the Winter is a variety of one-act plays directed by students, and the show in the Spring is a musical. Westminster High School Drama also attends and performs yearly at the county-wide "Drama Fest" where every school does a variety of scenes/numbers from a chosen show of their season, and are critiqued. This event is not a contest in any way. The school's drama program has also been invited to the Fringe Festival held in Edinburgh, Scotland, but has not yet attended.
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* 2017–2018: "[[See How They Run (play)|See How They Run]]"; Odds and Evens: Losing Control; [[Catch Me If You Can (musical)|Catch Me If You Can]]
* 2017–2018: "[[See How They Run (play)|See How They Run]]"; Odds and Evens: Losing Control; [[Catch Me If You Can (musical)|Catch Me If You Can]]


==Athletics==
===Athletics===

[[File:Westminster HS.jpg|right|thumb|Westminster High School]]
[[File:Westminster HS.jpg|right|thumb|Westminster High School]]
The Athletic Director is Terry Molloy.


Athletics at WHS include:
Athletics at WHS include:
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{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


* The Owls produced the first high jumper in the States history to ever clear 7 feet. {Bob Smith} Also, a # 1 ranking in the U.S. from Sports Illustrated and 5 state championship titles{77-80}{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Source Sports Ill. Jan 1980 Carroll co. times, Balitmore Sun.
* The Owls produced the first high jumper in the States history to ever clear 7 feet. {Bob Smith} Also, a #1 ranking in the U.S. from Sports Illustrated and 5 state championship titles{77-80}{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} Source Sports Ill. Jan 1980 Carroll co. times, Baltimore Sun.
* The Owls Varsity Football team played in the 1976 and 2005 State Championships.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Varsity Football team played in the 1976 and 2005 State Championships and were both times runner up.<ref name="fall" />
* The Owls Varsity Baseball team are the 2007 3A State Champions.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Varsity Baseball team are the 2007 3A State Champions.<ref name="spring">{{cite web |title=Spring Record Book |url=https://www.mpssaa.org/assets/1/6/Spring_record_book_Record_Book.pdf |website=www.mpsaa.org |access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref>
* The Owls Track and Field team fielded a state champion in the 110 High Hurdles at the 2007 MPSSAA Region 3 Track and Field Championships.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Track and Field team fielded a state champion in the 110 High Hurdles at the 2007 MPSSAA Region 3 Track and Field Championships.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Field Hockey team played in the state semi-finals in 2007, the finals in 2009, and won the State Championship in 1976, 2010, 2014.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Field Hockey team played in the state semi-finals in 2007, the finals in 2009, and won the State Championship in 1976, 2010, 2014.<ref name="fall">{{cite web |title=Fall Record Book |url=https://www.mpssaa.org/assets/1/6/Fall_record_book_Record_Book.pdf |website=www.mpsaa.org |access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref>
* The Owls Varsity Basketball team won the 1947 State Championships under coach [[Herb Ruby]].{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Varsity Basketball team won the 1947 State Championships under coach [[Herb Ruby]].<ref name="winter">{{cite web |title=Winter Record Book |url=https://www.mpssaa.org/assets/1/6/Winter_record_book_Record_Book.pdf |website=mpsaa.org |access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref>
* The Owls Boys Cross Country team has won 7 state titles, including four in a row from 1996 to 1999. They were also once ranked 17th in the nation.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Boys Cross Country team has won 7 state titles, including four in a row from 1996 to 1999. They were also once ranked 17th in the nation.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Boys Lacrosse Team are the 2013 State Champions with an undefeated season.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Boys Lacrosse Team are the 2013 State Champions<ref name="spring" /> with an undefeated season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year: Ryan Drenner, Westminster, senior, attackman |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2013/06/07/boys-lacrosse-player-of-the-year-ryan-drenner-westminster-senior-attackman/ |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=Baltimore Sun |date=7 June 2013|quote=avenged the defeat and completed a perfect season}}</ref>
* The Owls Girls Field Hockey Team are the 2014 State Champions.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Girls Field Hockey Team are the 2014 State Champions.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Girls Varsity Softball Team are the 2016 State Champions.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Owls Girls Varsity Softball Team are the 2016 State Champions.<ref name="spring" />


==Marching band==
===Marching band===
[[File:WHS MB.JPG|thumb|241px|The Westminster High School Marching Band]]
[[File:WHS MB.JPG|thumb|241px|The Westminster High School Marching Band]]
The Westminster High School Owls Marching Band is the first band from Maryland to participate in a [[Bands of America]] competition, including the Grand National Championships held in the [[RCA Dome]] in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]. It won the 2002 [[Atlantic Coast Championships]], a [[Tournament of Bands]]-sanctioned competition, and won a [[Bands of America]] Regional championship in 2003 becoming the first and only band in Maryland to become BOA Regional Champions. It participated in the Bands of America Grand National Championship in 2004 and 2005, placing 1st and 7th, respectively.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} In 2008, the WHS Marching Band placed 2nd overall at the Towson BOA Regional as well as winning best music, and also placed 4th overall at the BOA Super Regional at Atlanta's [[Georgia Dome]].{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} In the 2009 season, Westminster placed 1st overall at the Towson BOA Regional, winning general effect and best music.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} The band placed 4th overall at the BOA Regional Championships in West Chester, PA, and also competed in the [[USSBA]] Maryland and Delaware State Championships at Towson, MD in [[Unitas Stadium]] taking all captions and winning first place in their group and overall.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} On October 2, 2010, the band competed in the USSBA [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] Invitational at the Naval Academy in [[Annapolis, Maryland]]. They placed first overall, taking all captions and receiving the prestigious Esprit de Corps Award, which is given to the band best exemplifying the characteristics of pride, professionalism and patriotism.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} Later in the 2010 season the band once again placed first overall at the Bands of America Regional Championship in Towson, MD.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} The Marching Band had the honor to be the only band chosen to represent the State of Maryland at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and USS Arizona Memorial Concert Series in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in December 2013.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} They were also selected to participate in a Field Show competition in November 2014 in Washington D.C. They scored Second overall out of four bands and took the caption award for best woodwind section.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} In the 2015 season, the band placed 10th overall in the 2015 Newark BOA Regional, and received second place in class III Open in the USBands Open National Championship at [[MetLife Stadium]] in [[East Rutherford, New Jersey]], winning Best Overall Effect and Best Visual.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}
The Westminster High School Owls Marching Band is the first band from Maryland to participate in a [[Bands of America]] competition, including the Grand National Championships held in the [[RCA Dome]] in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]. It won the 2002 [[Atlantic Coast Championships]], a [[Tournament of Bands]]-sanctioned competition, and won a [[Bands of America]] Regional championship in 2003 becoming the first and only band in Maryland to become BOA Regional Champions. It participated in the Bands of America Grand National Championship in 2004 and 2005, placing 1st and 7th, respectively.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} In 2008, the WHS Marching Band placed 2nd overall at the Towson BOA Regional as well as winning best music, and also placed 4th overall at the BOA Super Regional at Atlanta's [[Georgia Dome]].{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} In the 2009 season, Westminster placed 1st overall at the Towson BOA Regional, winning general effect and best music.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} The band placed 4th overall at the BOA Regional Championships in West Chester, PA, and also competed in the [[USSBA]] Maryland and Delaware State Championships at Towson, MD in [[Unitas Stadium]] taking all captions and winning first place in their group and overall.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} On October 2, 2010, the band competed in the USSBA [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] Invitational at the Naval Academy in [[Annapolis, Maryland]]. They placed first overall, taking all captions and receiving the prestigious Esprit de Corps Award, which is given to the band best exemplifying the characteristics of pride, professionalism and patriotism.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} Later in the 2010 season the band once again placed first overall at the Bands of America Regional Championship in Towson, MD.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} The Marching Band had the honor to be the only band chosen to represent the State of Maryland at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and USS Arizona Memorial Concert Series in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in December 2013.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} They were also selected to participate in a Field Show competition in November 2014 in Washington D.C. They scored Second overall out of four bands and took the caption award for best woodwind section.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} In the 2015 season, the band placed 10th overall in the 2015 Newark BOA Regional, and received second place in class III Open in the USBands Open National Championship at [[MetLife Stadium]] in [[East Rutherford, New Jersey]], winning Best Overall Effect and Best Visual.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}
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Brian Drake, Mark Lortz, Brian Thompson (assistant director), Jennifer Bodrie Jones.
Brian Drake, Mark Lortz, Brian Thompson (assistant director), Jennifer Bodrie Jones.


===Past Shows===
====Past Shows====
(Source: Owlband.org)
(Source: Owlband.org)
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* 2024 - Elements
* 2023 - The Fountain
* 2022 - Harmony
* 2022 - Harmony
* 2021 - Reborn
* 2021 - Reborn

Latest revision as of 20:24, 15 December 2024

Westminster High School
Address
Map
1225 Washington Rd.

Westminster
,
Maryland
21157

United States
Coordinates39°32′30″N 76°59′32″W / 39.54167°N 76.99222°W / 39.54167; -76.99222
Information
TypePublic high school
Established1899
PrincipalKatie Nefflen
Teaching staffappx. 100
Grades9–12
Enrollmentappx. 1,600
Color(s)Columbia blue and white
  
Fight songOn Westminster
SportsFootball, Field Hockey, Soccer, Golf, Baseball, Basketball, Softball, Lacrosse, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track and Field
MascotOwl
PublicationQuintessence
YearbookThe Owl
Websitecarrollk12.org/schools/high/whs

Westminster High School is a public high school located in Westminster, Maryland, United States. It is part of the Carroll County Public Schools system.

WHS is the largest and the oldest high school in Carroll County and is one of the largest high schools in the state of Maryland. It houses the County BEST Program.

Extracurricular activities

[edit]

Speech and Debate Program

[edit]

The high school's Speech and Debate Team was founded in September 2006. The Speech and Debate program at WHS offers students with the ability to engage in competitive speech and debate tournaments held at the local, state, and national levels. Students attend weekly meetings and are constantly immersed in a rigorous cycle of research and preparation for the Speech and Debate events in which they are participating and competing in.[citation needed]

In 2007, WHS hosted the Galactic Catholic Forensics League tournament for the first time in school history.[citation needed] The Owls finished in first place at BCFL Finals in Debate Sweepstakes, and qualified for National Catholic Forensics League Nationals held in Dallas, Texas, and finished nationally as octofinalists in Public Forum Debate.[citation needed] In 2008, the team qualified for NCFL Nationals in Appleton, Wisconsin.[1] There, they finished nationally as double octofinalists in Public Forum Debate.[1]

The team qualified for Skechers Locals in Albany, New York, where students finished locally as double octofinalists in Public Forum Debate.

In 2010, team members qualified for NCFL Grand National Tournament held at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Public Forum Debate.[citation needed] There a student finished nationally as a quarterfinalist.[2]

In 2011, WHS finished in first place in Debate Sweepstakes at BCFL finals.[citation needed] Team members qualified for NCFL Nationals in Washington D.C., and several finished nationally as octofinalists (top 16).[citation needed]

Events, judges, leagues, and tournaments

[edit]

Prospective team members are offered to compete in Speech and Debate events. These events are commonly offered at a variety of tournaments that the Owls attend every year. Each event requires a certain degree of specialization that demands expertise and experience in order to accrue a winning record. Event competition becomes more and more challenging, as tournament venues increase in size and prestige.

Speech and Debate events at Westminster High School

[edit]

The Speech and Debate program at WHS offers a variety of competitive forms of speech and debate, including Extemporaneous Speaking, Student Congress, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Public Forum Debate. Students at WHS most heavily participate in Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas Debate.

Public Forum Debate

[edit]

Public Forum Debate was the first competitive event offered by WHS.[citation needed]

Public Forum Debate consists of two two-person teams facing off within a given debate round, one arguing in support of a given resolution that articulates some issue in public policy, and the other against it. This resolution is announced for all regular and post-season Carroll County Debate League, National Catholic Forensics League, and National Forensic League tournaments one month before the tournament in which that resolution will be debated. During a typical regular season tournament, every PF team will argue for the resolution once, and against the resolution once. The third round of a given tournament typically features a coin toss that determines which sides each PF team will argue for.

Public Forum typically addresses public policy issues that are related to international relations, public administration, social issues, and economics. A sample PF topic might be, "Resolved, On Balance, the Rise of BRIC Nations is a threat to US Hegemony." Students research and articulate arguments in a series of speeches, and live "cross-fire sessions" that typically last one hour in duration. The outcome of a round is determined by a single judge, or in the case of a playoff round, a tribunal of three judges.

Lincoln Douglas Debate

[edit]

Lincoln Douglas Debate was first started at WHS in 2009. Lincoln Douglas features two individuals pitted against each other over a given topic. The resolution that is debated in Lincoln Douglas Debate, in contrast to Public Forum Debate, typically concerns not only public policy issues, but also incorporates a philosophical/values based component. Within a typical regular season tournament, each LD debater will argue in one round against the resolution, and in one round for it. The third round typically uses a coin toss to decide which side each debater within a given round will argue for.

While PF debaters typically make empirically based arguments, LD debaters must articulate their arguments as superior to their opponents not only along empirical lines, but also along the contours of logical reasoning, in their reconciling their arguments to a given criterion (typically some sort of philosophy, or philosophically informed paradigm) that achieves a given value.

For example, the NCFL Lincoln Douglas Nationals topic/resolution for 2010 addressed the issue of whether all constitutional rights should be given to all people on US soil. In making arguments for or against the notion of applying all constitutional rights to all people on US soil, values such as justice and morality were typically used by LD debaters, and common criteria that were employed to reconcile those values with the empirical components of their cases included Social Contract Theory, pragmatism, etc.

Speech and Debate tournament judges

[edit]

All judges for Carroll County Debate League, Baltimore Catholic Forensics League, National Catholic Forensics League, and National Forensic League tournaments consist of volunteers. Local and state tournaments typically consist of volunteer members from the community; teachers, lawyers, doctors, parents, and debate alumni etc. Judges for National tournaments are admitted to volunteer based on a given set of criteria outlined by each individual tournament's guidelines and policies. Judges at National Tournaments typically consist of debate coaches, professors, and teachers.

Drama Program and The International Thespians Society

[edit]

The Westminster Senior High School Drama Program performs three shows a year. The show in the Fall is a straight play, the show in the Winter is a variety of one-act plays directed by students, and the show in the Spring is a musical. Westminster High School Drama also attends and performs yearly at the county-wide "Drama Fest" where every school does a variety of scenes/numbers from a chosen show of their season, and are critiqued. This event is not a contest in any way. The school's drama program has also been invited to the Fringe Festival held in Edinburgh, Scotland, but has not yet attended.

Previous Productions Include:

Athletics

[edit]
Westminster High School

Athletics at WHS include:

  • Fall Sports:
    • Freshmen, JV & Varsity Football
    • JV & Varsity Men & Women's Soccer
    • Golf
    • JV & Varsity Field Hockey
    • JV & Varsity Volleyball
    • JV & Varsity Cheerleading
    • Cross country running|Cross Country
  • Winter Sports:
    • Freshmen, JV & Varsity Men and Women's Basketball
    • JV & Varsity Wrestling
    • JV & Varsity Cheerleading
    • Indoor Track & Field
  • Spring Sports:
    • JV & Varsity Baseball
    • JV & Varsity Softball
    • JV & Varsity Men and Women's Lacrosse
    • Track & Field
  • The Owls produced the first high jumper in the States history to ever clear 7 feet. {Bob Smith} Also, a #1 ranking in the U.S. from Sports Illustrated and 5 state championship titles{77-80}[citation needed] Source Sports Ill. Jan 1980 Carroll co. times, Baltimore Sun.
  • The Owls Varsity Football team played in the 1976 and 2005 State Championships and were both times runner up.[3]
  • The Owls Varsity Baseball team are the 2007 3A State Champions.[4]
  • The Owls Track and Field team fielded a state champion in the 110 High Hurdles at the 2007 MPSSAA Region 3 Track and Field Championships.[citation needed]
  • The Owls Field Hockey team played in the state semi-finals in 2007, the finals in 2009, and won the State Championship in 1976, 2010, 2014.[3]
  • The Owls Varsity Basketball team won the 1947 State Championships under coach Herb Ruby.[5]
  • The Owls Boys Cross Country team has won 7 state titles, including four in a row from 1996 to 1999. They were also once ranked 17th in the nation.[citation needed]
  • The Owls Boys Lacrosse Team are the 2013 State Champions[4] with an undefeated season.[6]
  • The Owls Girls Field Hockey Team are the 2014 State Champions.[citation needed]
  • The Owls Girls Varsity Softball Team are the 2016 State Champions.[4]

Marching band

[edit]
The Westminster High School Marching Band

The Westminster High School Owls Marching Band is the first band from Maryland to participate in a Bands of America competition, including the Grand National Championships held in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. It won the 2002 Atlantic Coast Championships, a Tournament of Bands-sanctioned competition, and won a Bands of America Regional championship in 2003 becoming the first and only band in Maryland to become BOA Regional Champions. It participated in the Bands of America Grand National Championship in 2004 and 2005, placing 1st and 7th, respectively.[citation needed] In 2008, the WHS Marching Band placed 2nd overall at the Towson BOA Regional as well as winning best music, and also placed 4th overall at the BOA Super Regional at Atlanta's Georgia Dome.[citation needed] In the 2009 season, Westminster placed 1st overall at the Towson BOA Regional, winning general effect and best music.[citation needed] The band placed 4th overall at the BOA Regional Championships in West Chester, PA, and also competed in the USSBA Maryland and Delaware State Championships at Towson, MD in Unitas Stadium taking all captions and winning first place in their group and overall.[citation needed] On October 2, 2010, the band competed in the USSBA Marine Corps Invitational at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. They placed first overall, taking all captions and receiving the prestigious Esprit de Corps Award, which is given to the band best exemplifying the characteristics of pride, professionalism and patriotism.[citation needed] Later in the 2010 season the band once again placed first overall at the Bands of America Regional Championship in Towson, MD.[citation needed] The Marching Band had the honor to be the only band chosen to represent the State of Maryland at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and USS Arizona Memorial Concert Series in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in December 2013.[citation needed] They were also selected to participate in a Field Show competition in November 2014 in Washington D.C. They scored Second overall out of four bands and took the caption award for best woodwind section.[citation needed] In the 2015 season, the band placed 10th overall in the 2015 Newark BOA Regional, and received second place in class III Open in the USBands Open National Championship at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, winning Best Overall Effect and Best Visual.[citation needed]

Current Directors:.
Brian Frazier.

Past Directors:.
Brian Drake, Mark Lortz, Brian Thompson (assistant director), Jennifer Bodrie Jones.

Past Shows

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(Source: Owlband.org)

  • 2024 - Elements
  • 2023 - The Fountain
  • 2022 - Harmony
  • 2021 - Reborn
  • 2020 - Apart or Together, We are One
  • 2019 - Code Blue
  • 2018 - The Power of the Atom
  • 2017 - Inspiration- Story of Amelia Earhart
  • 2016 - Time
  • 2015 - Medusa
  • 2014 - Keep Silence
  • 2013 - A Day and the Life
  • 2012 - In the Cards
  • 2011 - Fear
  • 2010 - Songs of Freedom
  • 2009 - Speedway
  • 2008 - Heart of Madness
  • 2007 - Beyond the Stars
  • 2006 - Wood, Glass, Metal
  • 2005 - Impressions of Japan
  • 2004 - Luminarium
  • 2003 - The System
  • 2002 - Inside and Out
  • 2001 - Project: Revolution
  • 2000 - Latin American Sketches
  • 1999 - Pandora's Box
  • 1998 - The Art of War
  • 1997 - The Divine Comedy

Notable alumni

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References

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  1. ^ a b "National Catholic Forensic League Grand Nationals 2008" (PDF). www.ncfl.org. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  2. ^ "National Catholic Forensic League 2010 Grand National Tournament May 29 - 30, 2010 Omaha, Nebraska" (PDF). www.ncfl.org. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Fall Record Book" (PDF). www.mpsaa.org. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "Spring Record Book" (PDF). www.mpsaa.org. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Winter Record Book" (PDF). mpsaa.org. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  6. ^ "Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year: Ryan Drenner, Westminster, senior, attackman". Baltimore Sun. 7 June 2013. Retrieved 18 June 2024. avenged the defeat and completed a perfect season
  7. ^ "John A. Giannetti, Jr". msa.md.gov. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved September 28, 2009.
  8. ^ Fuller, Nicole; Davis, Gina (7 March 2006). "Carroll Co. Marine, 20, killed in Iraq". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
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