The Mount Pleasant High School Speech and Debate team competed on October 15 at the All Saints Episcopal School tournament in Tyler. The team had two members named tournament champions in their respective categories.

In Varsity Lincoln Douglas debate, senior Anthony Orellana was named Tournament Champion in LD after defeating competitors from Saginaw, North Mesquite, Grapevine, and Flower Mound. In addition, Orellana was named Top Speaker in LD out of 26 competitors.

Senior Madeline Tumey-Simmons placed 1st in the Poetry division with her piece, “Strange Fruit for Emmitt Till.” Tumey-Simmons scored all 1’s from every judge in the final round to take the championship.

Both Orellana and Tumey-Simmons earned points toward their qualifications for the Texas Forensic Association State tournament in Houston in March.

Photo: Madeline Tumey-Simmons and Anthony Orellana