Zellie Sarafa and Chloe Konja Lead Marian's Strong Showing at Forensics National Tournament

Twelve members of Marian’s Forensics Team traveled to Washington, D.C. over Memorial Day weekend to compete at the 2026 National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Grand National Tournament, one of the nation's largest and most competitive speech and performance events. The tournament drew more than 2,200 students from 399 schools across 28 states.

Leading the way for Marian were Zellie Sarafa ’28 and Chloe Konja ’28, who advanced to the octofinal round in Oratorical Declamation, placing 31st and 33rd, respectively, out of 181 competitors nationwide. Their accomplishment places them among just five Marian students to reach the octofinal round in the school's seven-year history of competing at the national tournament.

Sarafa performed “The Gentle Power of Highly Sensitive People” by Elena Herdieckerhoff, a piece that explores the need to change cultural perceptions surrounding highly sensitive individuals. Konja's selection, “5 Reasons You Look Bad in Photos” by Teri Hofford, examines body image, self-perception, and learning to embrace imperfect photographs.

"Zellie and Chloe's success is an extremely impressive accomplishment," says Marian Forensics coach Brendan Sharp. "I am so proud of all of our team members this season. They made doing something that most people find terrifying look easy."

The 12 Marian students who qualified for nationals competed in a variety of categories, including Dramatic Performance, Duo Interpretation of Literature, Extemporaneous Speaking, Oral Interpretation of Literature, and Oratorical Declamation. These students earned a place at the national tournament by finishing among the top competitors at the Detroit Catholic Forensic League’s national qualifier tournament this spring.  

Representing Marian at the 2026 NCFL Grand National Tournament were Angelina Asmar ’27, Gina Azar ’27, Mary Frangie ’27, Melanie Frangie ’27, Jenell Gallozi ’27, Madelyn Hasani ’28, Chloe Konja ’28, Kaitlyn Merritt ’28, Malin Murphey ’28, Gracelyn Riga ’28, Julia Rogers ’26, and Zellie Sarafa ’28.

Where Public Speaking Meets Performance

Forensics, or competitive public speaking, gives students opportunities to develop both communication and performance skills, Sharp says. Some students compete in speech events that focus on persuasion, analysis, and current events, while others gravitate toward interpretive categories that bring literature and published works to life through theatrical performance.

At Marian, Forensics attracts students with a wide range of interests and experience levels, from those looking to strengthen their public speaking abilities to those who enjoy acting and performance. Whatever the category, participants learn to think critically, communicate clearly, and present themselves with confidence.

During the 2025-26 season, 21 Marian students participated in Forensics. The competitive season runs from January through early spring and includes five regular tournaments and a national qualifying tournament. Students work with Sharp to prepare and refine their performances throughout the season before competing against schools from across the region and, for those who qualify, across the nation.

Says Sharp, “Students who do forensics are equipped with the tools they need to become confident speakers and communicators in whatever field they pursue.”