Four McClintock students will be attending Speech and Debate Nationals in Dallas, Texas; senior Fargo Tbakhi in Dramatic Interpretation, junior Roman Shemakov in International Extemporaneous Speaking, and sophomores Erin Granillo-Walker and Emily Wescott in Policy Debate.

A national qualifying tournament was held from March 26 to 28. The top three finishers in each event were given the opportunity to advance to Nationals.

Tbakhi finished first in Drama, an event where the individual performs a ten minute (usually dramatic) piece.

Shemakov finished third in Extemp, where the performer has 30 minutes to prepare a seven minute speech addressing an international topic using files they have compiled.

The team of Granillo-Walker and Wescott finished fifth in Policy, but two teams dropped out, allowing them to attend Nationals. In Policy teams of two debaters argue about a topic centered around U.S. federal government. Rounds last at least two hours.

“This has been a really good year for Speech and Debate,” Tbakhi said. “It’s been an honor to work with everyone.”

Tbakhi has been successful all season, notably winning in both Drama and Impromptu Speaking at State.

“I am very excited for Nationals. It is such an honor to qualify as a sophomore and go with my teammates,” Granillo-Walker said. “I am looking forward to seeing types of argumentation from across the U.S. and meeting other debaters. In addition, I am excited to try some new techniques.”