On Saturday, April 5, the 2025 Middle School Forensics State Finals were held at Mac Williams Middle School of Fayetteville.  Students participated in six events: Public Forum Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, Duo Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, and Original Oratory.  In the Interpretation categories, students performed memorized literary works, and in Original Oratory students presented their own original persuasive speeches.  Students participating in Extemporaneous Speaking came prepared to speak on topics including amateur sports and the environment — but did not know what questions they would answer before drawing them before the beginning of the round.  They then had 30 minutes to prepare a persuasive speech. 

Below are the top ten schools and event state champions:

1 - 71st Classical

2 - Gentry

3t - Trinity Episcopal

3t - Brown Summit

5 - Academy @ Lincoln

6 - Randolph

7 - John Griffin

8 - Mac Williams

9 - The Brawley School

10 - Asheville

Event State Champions

• Humorous Interpretation: Shawn Anthony of The Brawley School
• Dramatic Interpretation: Charlotte Bloom of Trinity Episcopal
• Extemporaneous Speaking: Aanya Bharadwaj of Randolph MS
• Original Oratory: Helena Adrar of Mac Williams MS
• Duo Interpretation: Elle Bonner and India Thompson of Trinity Episcopal
• Public Forum Debate: Sally Zolak and Ansley Hankins of Trinity Episcopal

Congratulations to everyone who competed!

Please note the key dates below for 2024-2025!

• March 1 - Regional at Hope Mills MS in Cumberland County
• March 15 - Regionals in three sites statewide. 
• March 21 - Regional in Surry County - only open to schools in Surry County
• April 5 - State Finals (middle school only), site TBD

Elementary Schools may participate in two events: Original Oratory and Storytelling.

Read more: Forensics - Overview