The Athens High School Speech and Debate team competed at the North Lamar High School speech and debate tournament on Sept. 19 against 24 other schools. Matthew Hernandez and Michael Pulver won first place in CX (cross-examination) debate, and True Head and Jose Sanchez won second place. Head was also awarded the “Top Speaker” gavel for policy debate. In LD (Lincoln-Douglas) debate, Dusty Rhodes placed second. In persuasive speaking, Pulver won first place and Head won second. Hernandez also placed second in informative speaking. In prose interpretation, Emma Grey won fourth place. Every student who competed took home a trophy. Several freshmen also attended in order to observe and learn. Pictured (from left) are Madeline Clay, William Honea, Dusty Rhodes, Michael Pulver, Emma Grey, Josh Bateman, True Head, Bandera Barter, Matthew Hernandez and Jose Sanchez. (Courtesy photo)