Angelina Nicolosi and Cameron Milroy after the competition.

Angelina Nicolosi and Walker Brittain, CFNN Reporters

With each tournament, the Speech and Debate team keeps getting better.

At the first competition, three competitors placed, only one of whom finished in the top three. This time around, Cape Fear brought home seven trophies and medals.

Emily Rogers and Caitlyn Smith show off their awards.

This last tournament was held at Cumberland Polytechnic High School. 325 competitors from 25 schools around eastern North Carolina came to compete, the Colts among them.

Speech captain Caitlin Smith placed first in dramatic performance. Her piece was cut from Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. 

“It felt amazing to place. All my competitors were amazing, and I was glad to perform alongside them. All my successes have proven that hard work really pays off,” Smith said.

This is Smith’s third time placing. At the first tournament, she came in fifth. Last tournament, she placed fourth and won best novice.

Alongside Caitlin, four other Speech participants placed. Emily Rogers placed third in dramatic performance, and Tayshlei Owen was a finalist. Nisa and Asha Sheikh placed sixth in duo. Several other speech competitors came within one or two spots of placing, giving the team a lot to work on to secure those places for the next competition. 

Tayshlei Owen and Nisa Sheikh pose with their awards.

In Congressional Debate, Cameron Milroy placed fifth and Angelina Nicolosi placed fourth. Both are captains of the team.

“I was really excited when they called my name. This was my first time placing, and especially getting fourth, I felt really confident in my abilities. I want to be a Senator, so Congressional is the best place for me to be,” Nicolosi said.

“I know where the team needs to improve, though. I’m looking forward to improving my skills and helping my teammates get better. Next time, I want at least four people to place, and I think we can do it.”

The Colts will compete again at Cary High School on November 9th. The team is still looking for new members, so if interested, see Mr. Lucas, Mrs. Lucas, or Mrs. Canady.