The Debate club attended the Crimson Wave Holiday Invitational tournament on Dec. 14, at Petersburg High School. A total of eight team members participated in this event, with three participants placing within the top three of their categories.

Lillie Essig, 10, and Cormac Hogan, 10, won first place for Varsity Public Forum. “I didn’t really expect to win, because even though I thought my partner and I did well, I wasn’t sure we would be able to win the entire event,”Hogan said. “The win was incredibly exciting, considering it was only my third time competing and my first time competing at varsity level. I really hope I can pull something like that off again.”

Kendall Walker, 11, took third place for Congress. His speeches received outstanding scores from the judges. He was very excited over his accomplishment, and hopes to perform even better at future tournaments.

Due to their scores, Midlothian placed third overall in the Sweepstakes. “We were all ecstatic, and the fact that we were able to win third overall is beyond me,” said Essig. “There is honestly no feeling quite like winning, especially when you are so convinced that you didn’t place at all. I’m so incredibly proud of my team and thankful to our Captains, Mr. Engberg and Mr. Stiltner.”