On Saturday November 11th, 2017, the Midlothian High Forensics and Debate team participating in the first invitational of the season. Bringing home awards at James River High School Invitational was a daunting task, as Midlothian went against teams from as far away as Blacksburg. Still, the team did not disappoint and brought home many trophies. Forensic officer Courtney Galligher achieved 3rd place in Duo Improvisation with sophomore Quentin Phillips, as well as earning 2nd place in Duo Interpretation with sophomore Nour Goulmamine. Team alum Yusuf Goulmamine returned to James River to judge Original Spoken Word, a new event in which competitors write poetry or prose in the style of slam poetry and perform for up to 10 minutes.

The Forensic Speech & Debate team welcomed new members this year, many of whom placed. Sophomore Eve Ingram rose to the occasion and disputed her way to an astounding 1st place in novice Lincoln-Douglas debate. Impressively enough, the James River Invitational was her first competition.

Overall, the James River Invitational proved a huge success for Midlothian High.  The next competition for the Forensic Speech & Debate will take place at Cosby High School on January 20th. Congratulations to the following students who placed:

1st Place

Eve Ingram – Novice Lincoln–Douglas Debate

2nd Place

Courtney Galligher – Duo Interpretation

Nour Goulmamine – Duo Interpretation

Jack Stid – Public Forum Debate

Palmer Ward – Public Forum Debate

Quentin Phillips – Extemporaneous Speaking

3rd Place

Courtney Galligher – Duo Improvisation

Quentin Phillips – Duo Improvisation

Jason Li – Public Forum Debate

Vincent Mangano – Poetry Interpretation

Sai Poluri – Public Forum Debate

4th Place

Anushka Pandya – Duo Interpretation

Avnee Raje – Duo Interpretation