Achievers & Accolades

CCS students earn spot at National Speech & Debate Tournament

By Staff Report, posted 3 weeks ago

Several students from Cumberland County Schools have earned the opportunity to compete at the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament, which will take place June 14–19 in Richmond, Va.
The following CCS students qualified to represent their schools and the district at the national tournament:
Massey Hill Classical High

  • Griffin Hire
  • Quincy Williams

Terry Sanford High

  • Laura Sigmon

Cumberland International Early College High

  • Aubrey Legros

Cumberland Polytechnic High

  • Carter Brown
  • Journey DeWalt
  • Abigail Joy
  • Ian Kim
  • Grace Stevenson

Hosted by the National Speech & Debate Association, the annual tournament brings together some of the top student competitors from around the world and serves as the culmination of speech and debate activities.
Of the more than 200,000 students who participate in speech and debate nationwide each year, only about 7,000 qualify for the national competition. Students participating in speech and debate develop skills that empower them to become advocates, changemakers and future leaders in their schools and communities.

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