Susan Chemmanoor of Jay M Robinson Middle School - Original Oratory State Champion

On Saturday, March 23, the 2019 Middle School Forensics State Finals were held at Jay M Robinson Middle School of Charlotte.  Students participated in six separate 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 Immigration and the Mueller Investigation — 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.  In Public Forum Debate, teams argued for or against promoting the economy or reducing the national debt.

Below are the top students in each category and the top six ranking schools:

Humorous Interpretation - State Champion- Taran Puvvala - Jay M Robinson Middle School

Dramatic Interpretation - State Champions (tie) Savanna Cannady of Mac Williams MS and Morgan Snyder of R Max Abbott MS both of Fayetteville

Extemporaneous Speaking - State Champion- Sami Pyndi - Jay M Robinson Middle School

Original Oratory - State Champion- Susan Chemmanoor - Jay M Robinson Middle School

Duo Interpretation - State Champions- Carmen Haigwood and Madelyn Jeffries - R Max Abbott Middle School

Public Forum Debate - State Champions- Clay Patton and Vivek Rao - Jay M Robinson Middle School

And the top six schools:

6- Hickory Ridge MS of Harrisburg

5- Seventy-First Classical MS of Fayetteville

4- Grays Creek MS of Hope Mills

State Third Place- R Max Abbott MS of Fayetteville

State Runner-up- Mac Williams MS of Fayetteville

State Champion- Jay M Robinson MS of Charlotte

Congratulations to everyone who competed!