When reading the word forensics, one might immediately think of the hit television show, CSI.
   But in the Louisiana Intercollegiate Forensics Association championship tournament, forensics simply means the art of public speaking.
   The Speech and Debate Club from the NE Campus traveled to Alexandria, La., Jan. 27-29 for the competition and returned with several awards.
   Jessica Adkins placed second in communications analysis and third in dramatic interpretation.
Sean Alexander placed sixth in dramatic interpretation.
   Ashley Kelashian placed fifth in dramatic interpretation, third in prose interpretation and fourth in poetry interpretation.
   The NE Campus was the only community college present at the tournament.
   Kristie Keeling, an active member of the club explained the focus of the competition and the mind-set.
   “ Forensics is not acting, because it has limited movement,” she said. “You have to stand inside your box and do all the movement in there.”
   Adkins, another member, added that during the performance, the presenter has to hold a small black binder that represents the literature being presented.
   “ The next competition is this weekend on the SE Campus, and I know we will do good,” she said.
   Lisa Benedetti is an instructor of speech and serves as one of the club sponsors.
   “ We are very proud of the accomplishments from our team members,” she said.
   Benedetti said that membership is still open to other students.
   Students who want to join the group can contact Benedetti at 817-515-6986.