SOUTHERN PINES – Seven members of the North Mecklenburg High School’s Debate and Speech Team attended the Tarheel Forensic League Debate and Speech State Championship Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, at Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines.

Team members placed well in the competition against 26 schools and more than 400 individual competitors from across the state. Head coach Christopher M. Rocca was honored by his peers for the second time in three years with the Mildred Hussey Award as the state’s debate and speech coach of the year for 2010-11.

Freshman Brittany Rowell got to the semifinal rounds in dramatic and oral interpretations. Junior Lauren Calucag reached the quarterfinal round in oral interpretation and with partner senior Brittany Wallace, to the final round in duo interpretation. The pair placed fifth. Brittany Wallace also reached the semifinal round in humorous interpretation.

Sophomore James Williams made it to the final round in dramatic interpretation, placing  fourth. James and partner junior Brooke Carter also reached the final round in duo interpretation, placing sixth. Brooke also reached the final round in dramatic interpretation and placed fifth.

Senior Raul Gonzalez got to the semifinal round in impromptu speaking and the final round in original oratory, placing third. Sophomore Colleen Watson competed in the quarterfinal round after competing for the first time in impromptu speaking and made the final round in original oratory, placing fourth.