On Saturday, September 24, Pinecrest High’s Speech & Debate team hosted a tournament, the Pinecrest Open. Varsity and novice members from high schools from multiple counties in North Carolina came to compete, as well as novices from Pinecrest.

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Varsity team members volunteered at the tournament, as did members of the National Honor Society who needed volunteer hours.

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“I volunteered because it’s a great way to see old friends from other schools. I also like that there’s no stress about competing. Helping novices is always fun too,” said varsity speech member sophomore Loreleigh Nagy. “While volunteering, I sorted ballots, posted rounds, and made announcements to the competitors.”

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Of the novices who competed, nine people placed in their event.

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Lindsay Douglas placed first in Novice Congress. Audrey Ledford placed second in Novice Original Oratory. Sarah Shultis placed sixth in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking. Ben Lewis and Emily Voncannon placed third in Novice Public Forum. Halden Levin placed third in Program Oral Interpretation. Olivia McCue places second in Novice Dramatic Interpretation. Caroline Mays placed fourth in Novice Dramatic Interpretation. And, Charlize Quindara placed fifth in Novice Dramatic Interpretation.

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“I really enjoyed the competition. It was well organized and a good challenge,” said novice speech member freshman Audrey Ledford. “I was very excited when I placed. I’m very new to speech, so it was nice to get a trophy.”