The Athens High School Speech and Debate Team had a very successful weekend at the Van High School Invitational Tournament. Ten students competed in a total of 14 events, and all 10 placed. Athens was awarded the first-place speech team with a total of 150 points. The second-place team trailed far behind in points with twice as many entries as AHS.
In Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate, Dusty Rhodes placed first. In informative speaking, Matthew Hernandez placed first. In persuasive speaking, Madeline Clay placed first, Michael Pulver placed second, and True Head placed first. In prose, Emma Grey placed first, and Lydia Strand placed fifth. In policy debate, True Head and Matthew Hernandez placed second; Jordan Ramirez, Jose Sanchez, Madeline Clay and Baylee DeShazo were semifinalists. In congress, Michael Pulver placed third.
Pictured (from left) are Will Honea, True Head, Jose Sanchez, Michael Pulver, Dusty Rhodes, Matthew Hernandez, Lydia Strand, Emma Grey, Madeline Clay, Baylee DeShazo and Jordan Ramirez. Ten AHS students competed and placed. (Courtesy Photo)