State Champions Jay M Robinson Middle School

On Saturday, April 1, the 2023 Middle School Forensics State Finals were held at Grays Creek Middle School of Hope Mills.  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 mental health and the US economy — 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 students in each category and the top eight schools:

Humorous Interpretation - State Champion- Siddartha Bajpai - Randolph Middle School

Dramatic Interpretation - State Champion - Tessa Fulcher - Trinity Episcopal

Extemporaneous Speaking - State Champion- Saanvi Kasera - Randolph Middle School (2 time state champion!)

Original Oratory - State Champion - William Cowan of J Sam Gentry Middle School

Duo Interpretation - State Champions- Abigail Nguyen and Noah Conners - R Max Abbott Middle School

Public Forum Debate - State Champions- Autry Canady / Campbell Shepard - R Max Abbott Middle School

And the top four schools:

8 - Lewis Chapel MS

7 - Seventy-First Classical MS

6 - The Brawley School

5 - R Max Abbott MS

4 - Trinity Episcopal

State Third Place- Brown Summit MS

State Runner-up- Randolph IB MS

State Champion- Jay M Robinson Middle School of Charlotte

Congratulations to everyone who competed!