The FCHS Speech and Debate team after the win at the Tournament of Champions on Jan. 21.

Speech and Debate win Tournament of Champions

Molly Pace, Senior Editor

January 24, 2023

After competing against 19 schools Jan. 21 at James Madison University, FCHS’s Speech and Debate team won the overall competition.

“Over 35 students competed in 15 events in both Speech and Debate. This tournament finished up our pre-season, as both Speech and Debate prepare for VHSL Regionals/Supers/States,” said Speech and Debate coach Craig Edgerton.

Some of the awards that Fluvanna took home with them that night included Top Debate School for Tournament, Runner-Up Speech School for Tournament, and Runner-Up Speech School for the Season.

Edgerton noted that the next competitions wiill be VHSL Regionals for Speech on Feb. 11 at Staunton High School, and VHSL Regionals for Debate on March 18 at Turner Ashby High School.

The following students competed and placed at the Tournament of Champions:

Individual Awards:

Debate
Emma Pittman – Top Policy Speaker
1st, Emma Pittman & Kylie Phillips – Policy
1st, Andrew Jamison – LD JV
3rd, Jackson Kinsella – Congress
3rd, Ryleigh Money & Madelyn Grout – Policy

Speech
1st, Seamus Sensabaugh – Impromptu
1st, Paola Gomez-Melgares – Prose
1st, Ryan Taylor & Maddie Gifford – Serious Duo
1st, Tomas Cruz-Vega – Storytelling
2nd, Allison Monfalcone & Samantha Carter – Humorous Duo
2nd, Abby White – Prose
2nd, Kessler Potter – Extemp
2nd, Amina Seiden – Original Oratory
3rd, Ben Bossong & Kyle Landes – Humorous Duo
4th, Ella Kearney – Original Oratory
4th, Townes Mullinex – Dramatic Interp
4th, Maddy Cavanaugh – Prose
5th, Jackson Farley – Humorous Interp
5th, Christian Farley – Storytelling
6th, Bridgette Kirchner – Poetry
6th, Topher Huff – Humorous Interp