Recently, students who are a part of the Forensics Team participated in many events. And, some of these debaters got awarded and qualified for bigger and better things.

Elliott Lehman, Christian Smetana, David Erzen, Lauren Bostedo, and Danika Moody both qualified to compete in the Public Forum Debate. Moody qualified as an alternate, while the others won their categories. The debate is a part of the Pennsylvania State Forensics Tournament. The tournament will take place at Susquehanna University on March 20 and 21 at Selinsgrove, PA.

Five other students qualified to compete in the NCFL Grand National Tournament. Students include Emily Augustine, Akhil Rajasekar, Lauren Bostedo, David Erzen, and Sean McClaine.

Augustine and Rejasekar qualified in policy debate. McClaine qualified in Lincoln Douglas Debate. Bostedo and Erzen qualified in duo interpretation.

Also, Casey Mack and Madison Newman qualified as an alternate to the tournament in duo interpretation.

The tournament will be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It will take place over Memorial Day Weekend.

In addition, four students earned Advanced Degrees from the National Forensic League. These students include Augustine, Rachel Dimmock, Newman, and Lizzie Hartnett.

Augustine earned the Degree of Outstanding Distinction. Dimmock earned the Degree of Special Distinction. Newman and Hartnett earned the Degree of Excellence.

“The students deserve this honor,” Alice Ursin, head coach for the Forensics Team, said. “They worked hard [to get these awards].”

In addition, on March 14, the NFL Qualifiers for the National Tournament will be held. Students will compete at North Allegheny High School.

Congratulations to these individuals. Hopefully, they can keep doing well in the Forensics Team.