The English-Speaking Union of the Sandhills, in conjunction with the Pinecrest High School Speech and Debate Team, announces sponsorship of the first Middle School Speech and Debate Championship. The competition, which is open to all students in sixth through eighth grades and to homeschoolers of that age level, will be held on Saturday, May 3, on the Pinecrest campus.

Entry fee for the event is $10 per person and includes a pizza lunch and drink. Entries must be completed by Thursday, May 1, in order to compete. Pinecrest Debate T-shirts will also be on sale for $10 during the tournament.

Sponsorship of the tournament is provided by the Education Committee of the English Speaking Union under chairmen Pat Williams and Jim Williford.

Events to be offered for this tournament are public forum debate, dramatic, humorous, and duo interpretation, impromptu speaking, and original oratory. Although students in speech events are encouraged to memorize presentations, no penalty is assessed if a student uses a manuscript during the competition.

Information concerning the tournament and registration forms may be accessed at www.pinecresthighschool.org and following links to Pinecrest clubs/Pinecrest Forensic Society/Middle School Debate.

E-mail questions concerning the upcoming tournament to lcarter@mcs.k12.nc.us or call Libby Carter, Pinecrest Debate Coach, at (910) 692-6554, ext. 2204.