"After thinking about Mr. Shepard yesterday, it did bring back some distinct memories about my time as part of the Forensic team. I remember being a freshman and going to my first meet. I remember being real nervous and Mr. Shepard gave us a good pep talk on the way over to the meet. When we arrived, I remember the other schools looking and whispering, "Oh crap, Birch Run is here". As a freshman, feeling pretty insignificant as most do when entering high school, I felt empowered; we were feared. I was so proud to be a member of the team and I think that is why I continued on during the rest of high school. It gave me a confidence I had never had before. Mr. Shepard made Birch Run the school to beat and expected the best from us. I liked the challenge he presented us with. Up to that point, school came pretty easy to me. Mr. Shepard turned my world upside down while in his Speech class my first semester of my freshman year. I had been doing mediocre work and he knew I was capable of more. I just did what I had to do to get by and he answered that by giving me my first D ever. I was completely devasted and went and talked to him. He explained to me that he knew I could do better and needed to let my guard down and really try or I could expect the same grade or worse next time. From that point on, I gave it my all. I really put myself into the rest of my speeches. Much to my surprise not only did I get the "A" I was after, he asked me to be part of the Forensic team. That was a very proud moment in my high school years. Sorry for rambling on but I just had to share. He really did so much for me and I feel very blessed to have had him as a teacher."
Sincerely,
Shannon LeGrand
Ruth Ann Redmond Ruth Ann took over for Bob Shephard. Ruth Ann taught in Birch Run for 14.5 years, before her retirement took her back to Texas in 2005. Ruth Ann was a pivitol coach for Birch Run. Ruth Ann worked hard to keep the Birch Run Forensics program alive and running. She ruled the team with an iron fist and was a natural at coaching. One could say that she could coach with one arm tied behind her back. Ruth Ann returned to Texas and is enjoying time with her husband, children, and "grand babies". Ruth Ann taught and coached for another five years after retiring here in Michigan. She is now retired again, and loving it! Since June of 2009, Ruth Ann has been traveling the country and spending time with her family. Ruth Ann would love to hear from any former students or forensics participants at redclan4@aol.com - Smiles!!!
Head Coach and Director of Forensics Amy Urbanowski-Nowak 2004 - Current Amy Urbanowksi-Nowak is a Birch Run native. Although Amy did not do Forensics in high school, she has fallen in love with the program over the last four years. Starting in the fall of 2009, and after teaching in two different districts, Amy now calls Birch Run home again. Amy came into the program and hit the ground running. She has degrees in Language Arts and Communication. Currently Amy is working on her Masters degree in Communications. Amy works very hard with the Forensics students and is respected very highly in the forensics community.
Forensics Co-Coach Wendy M. Holt 2006 - Current Miss Holt is a native of the St. Johns area. She started her career in Birch Run in 2001 as a Mathmatics instructor at the High School and is currently teaching Algebra 2 and Pre-calculus. In her spare time, she is involved with numerous extra-curricular activities, including the fall musical, forensics, track, and pep band.
Special Consultant/Alumni Kaitlin Knutson 2004 - Current (Participant 2000 - 2004) Kaitlin has been involved with Forensics in Birch Run since she started participating as a freshman for Birch Run. Her unlimited talent landed her in State finals multiple times in events like Prose and Poetry. After being a dedicated four year member of the Birch Run High School team, Katilin enrolled and graduated from U of M Flint with a degree in Communications. While attending U of M, Kaitlyn continued her work with the forensics team by coaching for four years. Kaitlin's talent and ambition landed her an internship on the "Late Show with David Letterman" in New York City. Her charisma and drive helped her win the coveted internship; beating out thousands of applicants. Kaitlin continues to consult with actors and students on the Forensics team. She is gifted at polishing performances and has an amazing grasp on literature.
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