Alumni
Transfers/Degrees
Team members under the Direction of Wade Hescht
2019-18
Kevin Ventura
2018-17
Ben Maniscalo
2018-16
Angie Cervantes B.S. Economics
University of Houston, 2020 (Anticipated)
Banel Ka
B.A. Philosophy
University of Houston, 2020 (Anticipated)
2017
Allyzah Cabugao
Transferred to the University of Houston
Raven Campos
Carlos Figueros
B.M. Music Composition
Sam Houston State University, 2021 (Anticipated)
Jacob Files
Transferred to the University of Texas at Austin
Noah Miller
B.A. Political Science
The George Washington University, 2019
Haley Porterfield
B.A. Government & Philosophy
The University of Texas at Austin, 2019
Diarra Raymond
B.S. Political Science
Texas Woman’s University, 2019
J.D. Law
Vermont Law School, 2022 (Candidate)
2016
Emileigh Hope
Transferred to Texas State University
2016-15
Michael DeBose
Josselyn Gomez
Jake Trevino
B.A. Speech Communication
William Carey University
M.A. Communication & Advocacy
James Madison University 2020 (Anticipated)
2015
Abigail Borders
Transferred to the University of Houston
Brittney Duncan
Transferred to Texas Tech University
Riddhi Junnarkar
Omar Radwan
B.S. Industrial Engineering
University of Houston, 2020 (Anticipated)
2015-14
Paige Frost
B.A. Integrated Communication
The University of Houston, 2016
M.A. Health Communication
University of Houston, 2010 (Anticipated)
Alexandria Ross
Tyler Thompson
B.S. Psychology
University of Houston, 2017
2015-13
Brandon Mathieu A.S.
Lone Star College
C.P.L.
UFC
2014
Kat Christensen
B.S. Forestry
Stephen F. Austin State University, 2020 (Anticipated)
Jazmine Cornielle Sabastian King
B.A. Political Science
Texas A&M University, 2017
Cassey Crosby
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies – Bilingual Education
Sam Houston State University, 2019
Jacob Mayfield
Transferred to the University of Texas at Austin
2014-13
Alex Bergeron
B.A. Corporate Communication
The University of Texas at Austin, 2018
2013
Cathy Escure
Nora Hassanpour
B.B.A. Accounting
Texas Southern University, 2018
Kayla Mason
B.A. Theatre
Texas State University, 2016
2013-12
Gregory Carker
Balencia Crosby
B.S. Communication Studies
William Carey University, 2016
M.S. Communication
Minnesota State University Mankato, 2018
Faculty Lone Star College, UP 2019
Amanda Philio
B.S. Sports Communication
Bradley University, 2016
2012
Samantha Kennedy
Shylah Salas
2012-11
Kaybee Brown
Transferred to Bradley University
Erika (Sivils) Seymore
B.A. Communications
Thomas Edison State University
TC Wendling
2011
Joey Chance
Transferred to Texas State University
Marilyn (Tran) Manito
B.A. Architecture
University of Houston, 2020 (Anticipated)
2010
Bikash Adhkari
A.S.
Lone Star College
Transferred to Texas Woman’s University
Claudia Padilla
2010-09
Adriana Boyd-Lewis
Transferred to Wiley College
Earline Luellen
Transferred to Wiley College
Derek Lloyd
Amanda Vennebush
2009-08
Aaron Phillips
Transferred to Sam Houston State University
Erick Romero
B.A. Political Science
Universitat Erfurt (Germany), 2010
2008
LaDawn Taylor
B.A. Theatre
Sam Houston State University
2008 & 2004
Jonathan Casiano
B.A. Communication
University of Houston, 2009
M.P.A. Public Administration
University of Houston, 2017
M.S. Strategic Foresight
University of Houston, 2020 (Anticipated)
2008-07
Elaine Jones
Bryan Powell
A.A.
Lone Star College, 2017
2007
Maida Camacho
Jess (Durkin) Jomt
Transferred to the University of Southern Indiana
Vanessa Hernandez
(Margaret) Ana Hoffman
Transferred to Sam Houston State University
Isaac Ireland
James Macaluso
Transferred to the University of Houston
Michael Marshall
B.F.A. Theatre
Sam Houston State University, 2010
Sara (Medina) Ferrell
B.A. Criminal Justice
Sam Houston State University, 2009
M.A. Social Work
University of Houston, 2013
2006-05
Emily Crawford
Joseph Doucette
Michelle (Harris) Jones
2005
Lauren Forbes
Chenika Fowler
Cory Griffen
Daniel Hitchcock
B.S. Chemistry
Texas A&M University, 2008
Ph.D. Biochemistry
Texas A&M University, 2014
Mitch Nichley
B.A. Film
University of North Texas, 2009
Jeremy Simkins
Transferred to the University of New Mexico, Taos
Valerie Valdez
2005-04
Stephanie (Christieans) McGuirt
Transferred to the University of Houston
Joseph Gibson
Angela (Dejano) Along
Transferred to Texas Tech University
2003 & 1996
Ava Love Hanna
B.A. Communications
University of Houston, 2007
M.L.A. English
University of St. Thomas, 2011
2003
Lawrence Kalinov
Transferred to the University of Houston
2003-02
Theodore Taylor
Transferred to the University of Houston
2002
Helena Curvey
Evan King
2002-01
Heaven Stephens
B.A. Theatre
Stephen F. Austin University, 2005
M.F.A. Acting
The University of North Carolina, 2008
2001
Tammie Merhab-Chavez
B.F.A. Theatre & Communications
Loyola University, 2004
M.F.A. Costume Design & Technology
Florida State University, 2008
2001-00
Amanda (Canfield) Billings
B.F.A. Theatre
Sam Houston State University, 2006
2000
Mathew Childress
Derek Degeyter
B.A. Theatre
University of Houston, 2003
M.F.A. Acting
University of Iowa, 2006
Hemong Makwana
2000-99
Christopher Sams
B.A. Communication
West Texas A&M University
1999
Scarlett Hinke Czarnopis
Louis Hunter
Transferred to North Texas University
Audrey Mack
1999-98
Thomas Blanton
B.A. Communication
University of St. Thomas, 2000
Elizabeth (Dickens) Sargent
B.A. Speech Communications and Theatre
Sam Houston State University, 2001
M.L.I.S. Library Science
Texas Woman’s University, 2005
M. Ed. Curriculum Design and Instruction
Sam Houston State University, 2008
Brandon Hall
Tootie Picket B.S. Psychology
University of Houston, 2009
Amy (Thibodeaux) Cabrera
Transferred to the University of Miami
Ruben Villalon
Bobby Warren
B.A. Communication
University of St. Thomas, 2002
J.D. Law
University of Houston Law Center, 2005
1998-97
Patrick Ralls
B.A. Communication
Sam Houston State University, 2002
M.A. Communication
University of Houston, 2006
1997
Sarah Crowder
Mike Roughton
1997-96
Yauna Estes
B.A. Journalism
Prairie View A & M University
M.A. Liberal Arts Communications
University of St. Thomas, 2016
1996
Laura Green
April (Malone) Day B.A. Psychology
University of Houston, 1999
M.B.A. Business Administration
Our Lady of the Lake, 2005
1996-95
Kim McKenna
1995
Paul Hanna
1995-94
Tasha Hall
Charles Jimenez
Stephen Rhoads
B.S. Speech Pathology and Audiology
The University of Texas at Austin, 1998
Claudia Rodriguez
Karen Wold
1994-93
Colleen Brock Kajfosz
Team members under the Direction of Sherri Ryan-White (List Incomplete)
1993
Carey (Perry) Chuter
Mercedes Gamboa
Charity (Lakey) Cosme
Sean Greene
Durrel Perry
1992
Cynthia Chatham
Greg Farley
Transferred to the University of Oklahoma
Rodney Gober Graduated from California State University
Lori Haltom
Harley Handy
Glenn Lambert
Lori Rotella
1992-89
Julian Acosta
B.F.A. Theatre
Florida International University, 1995
M.F.A. Theatre
Rutgers University, 1999
1991
John Rhoads
B.S. Communication
The University of Texas at Austin, 1994
M.A. Public Relations
University of Houston, 2002
Sandra (Fernandez) Rhoads
B.A. English
The University of Texas at Austin, 1994
M.A. English
University of Houston, 1999
1989-87
Lorretta (Gaskins) Ruggiero
1988
Annette Anderson Murray
J.D. Law
University of Houston Law Center, 1999
Gregory Lyle-Newton
Kim (Fitzpatrick) Malerba
Tammy McClanahan
Karla Sandoval
1988-87
Cher (LeSage) Duffin
B.A. Theatre
University of St. Thomas, 1990
Wade Hescht
B.A. Theatre
University of St. Thomas, 1990
M.A. Theater (with 18 grad hours in Communication)
University of Houston, 1992
Faculty, Lone Star College-NH, 1994
Karen Kaough
J.D. Law (Posthumous Degree)
University of Houston Law Center
Alumni Testimonials
Tasha Baggett, Team Member 1994-1995
I don't think I can fully express how much of an impact being on the North Harris Forensics Team made on me. As a college student it was such a great experience to be a part of this team. I still have so many relationships that were built as a part of this department and forensics. The people I worked with, learned with, studied with, traveled with became my family during those years and we still recall that bond. As an African American student, it was so refreshing to be a part of a creative, diverse team. I was a well-rounded, confident student because of my involvement in the North Harris Drama Dept. I experienced camaraderie, learned leadership, and Wade Hescht was a strong mentor and leader. Any student considering a path in Speech and Debate, Public Speaking, Theater, should fully participate in Forensics.
Adriana Boyd-Lewis, Team Member 2009-2010
It almost seems like a lifetime has passed since I laid eyes on the foundation that made me who I am today. At 18, I was reluctant to attend college, and I did not see how a community college would change my perspective. But it did! As an African American woman, I acknowledge that being on the team not only taught me about myself but my community and my culture. The power of a well-structured argument has helped me be the businesswoman I am today. If it were not for the North Harris Speech and Debate team, I would not have received scholarships to further my education nor the tools needed to give me an unbreakable foundation. I am now a business owner, self-published author and I will begin my Master's in Marketing Management in January at Texas Southern University. I am beyond grateful to Wade Hescht and the North Harris Speech and Debate program. They made me the woman I am today.
Kaybee Brown, Team Member 2011-2012, Phi Rho Pi Nationals – Top Speaker 2011
Having previously no desire to go to college, I attended LSC-NH in Fall 2010 after a relative recommended the campus and the forensics team. After two years of competition, Wade Hescht coached me from having zero experience to becoming a seven-time individual national championship. I was recruited to the top speech team in the nation (at the time), Bradley University, and transferred with a 3.65 GPA. I went on to become a Theatre major and had the privilege of training with some of the best professors Illinois had to offer. After college, I moved to Austin, TX where I am now able to utilize my public speaking skills during my day job at an arts service organization. I'm also transitioning into acting full time, but arts advocacy is still in my heart. Wade Hescht and the LNC-NH team taught me that knowledge and compassion can change the world!!!
Balencia S. Crosby, Team Member 2013-2014, M.F.A. Communication Studies 2019
My name is Balencia S. Crosby and I am a second-year graduate student at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In the spring of 2012, I had the pleasure of auditioning for the LSC-North Harris Speech and Debate Team under the direction of Wade Hescht and Casey Garcia. Since then, every decision made related to my academic career has (in more ways than one) been rooted somehow in forensics. Before joining the team, the notion of earning a degree beyond high school had begun to evade me. This activity (and team) saved me and gave me the chance to make that dream attainable. Thanks to the careful guidance of Mr. Hescht, I was able to graduate with an Associated of Arts. That same year, I transferred to William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS. While there, I competed on the forensics team and earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication. The bonds made while on the LSC-North Harris team has benefited me along every step of my collegiate career. Much of the person I am today is due to the likes of Mr. Hescht, Mr. Garcia and Mr. Gaer. In fact, all are still active mentors for other past competitors and myself. I hope that this team, and its coaches, remain at the institution for generations to come.
CasSandra E. Crosby, Team Member 2014
My name is CasSandra E. Crosby and currently, I am a double major (Business, and Education) at Sam Houston State University. My story with LSC - North Harris's competitive forensic speech and debate team is shorter than most. Unlike many others, I competed for a single semester. I think of this time spent with the team as bridge work necessary for the ventures I am working to complete today. Two key individuals still relevant in my life today are Mr. Wade Hescht and Mr. Dave Gaer. When the time came for me to leave my forensics team and continue my education at Sam Houston, I asked my former coaches for any advice to help me with the transferring process. Being a first-generation college student, I had few reliable resources to help me early on in my college career. Mr. Hescht, and Mr. Gaer were more than what I needed at the time, and with each passing semester they prove to be more than what I personally need as well as what my siblings need. I am grateful for my time on the team and hope that others get the same opportunities I received.
Kayla Mason, Team Member 2013, BFA- Production and Performance
Debate created me! It gave me a voice and vision that has carried me through the toughest of fights. This program gave my words gravity and depth. Allowing me to understand the difference between passion and being combative. Balancing my research, with reason and evidence. It gave me the ability to maintain composure when you rather crawl in a ball and disappear. Debate showed me a way to resonate in a world that tries so hard to hide me.
Aaron Phillips, Team Member 2008-2010
It is with great pleasure to recognize my previous Professor and Speech Coach, Wade Hescht. I participated on Mr. Hescht’s Speech and Debate team from 2008 to 2010. On the team, I developed the ability to properly structure speeches and to perform many forms of literature. These techniques, with Wade’s ambitious hands-on coaching, led our team to countless 1st place trophies. I personally garnished a Gold in Poetry, Dramatic Interpretation and Prose at our 2-year National Tournament in 2009. I then successfully transferred and pursued a degree in Mass Communication and Theater Acting at Sam Houston State University. As an African American student, I attribute my successes to Lone Star College-North Harris, the team and I truly can’t thank Mr. Hescht enough for his passionate teachings.
Christopher Sams, Team Member 1999-2000, Phi Rho Pi Nationals – Top Speaker 2000
There is not a moment, when anyone feigns the slightest interest, that I hesitate to relay how the activity of forensics at Lone Star College-North Harris saved my life. This place of artistic and academic exploration fostered a black first-generation college student into a leader whose legacy in forensics and academia, under the tutelage of Mr. Wade Hescht, led to recruitment by a four-year university and a B.A. in Speech Communication. Mr. Hescht taught me the mechanics of literature, how to edit literature, how block text for performance, and a great confidence to wield all those things extraordinarily. September 5 2017, I begin rehearsals for the national touring production of The Lion King. This is only my second contract as a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, the first being recently nominated for Best Ensemble at Chicago's Jeff Awards, and I didn't attend a grand and reputable conservatory. I was trained by Mr. Hescht! And that meant simply and boldly being honest in your craft. Lone Star College-North Harris provides a space for an inexorably valuable mentor and educator to nurture what once seemed impossible into a world of options and access.
Heaven Stephens, Team Member 2001-2002, BA, MFA
I can honestly say the skills I acquired during that time have helped me in every area of my life. I learned the subtleties of effective professional communication that would lead me to many successful positions- including as an adjunct professor at Lone Star College-North Harris as well as my current profession as a software-training specialist at an industry leading startup. I also gained invaluable teamwork experience, maturity and most importantly confidence. Like many students coming to Lone Star, I came from a turbulent economic and emotional background. Being on the team gave me pride and, most importantly, taught me to win and lose as a champion. There is no classroom in the world that can replace that.