HUNTERSVILLE – Members of the North Mecklenburg High Debate and Speech team will go on to represent western North Carolina at the National Christian Forensic League’s Grand National Tournament in Baltimore, Md. More than half of team clinched spots in the national tournament after the team placed first overall at the Christian Forensic League of Charlotte’s regional tournament Saturday, March 3, at East Rutherford High School.

The following students placed in individual events and will go on to the national tournament:

• Sophomore Alex Pope placed first in declamation and third in original oratory.

• Freshman Elizabeth Kingaby placed second in declamation and fourth in extemporaneous speaking.

• Freshman Okan Pektas placed third in declamation, sophomore Camera Hill placed fourth and Antonio Rivera placed fifth.

• In original oratory, junior Collen Watson placed second and junior Taylor Barrett placed fourth

• In oral interpretation, sophomore Emily Yue placed first, freshman Bryana Williams placed second, junior James Williams placed third and senior Lauren Calucag placed fifth.

• A team of freshman Abhi Kulgod and junior Ifran Mekic placed second in public forum debate.