Calhoun debate winners at the University of Georgia (L-R) Joe Bearden, Lloyd Bearden, Dana Higgins, Leah Smith, Kate Leggett, Ben Jordon (with Chaney Bearden in back) 
 
   Calhoun High students Dana Higgins and Ben Jordon won the University of Georgia debate tournament, held in Athens last weekend, February 29 - March 2. UGA is a national tournament, and competing teams came from as far away as New Hampshire and Texas. This win fully qualified Calhoun to compete at the National Tournament of Champions in May. "Ben and Dana have had good wins over some tough competition this year, but this time they really put it all together." said Calhoun debate coach Edward L. Williams.  
   It was a good tournament for the entire Calhoun team.  Sophomore Leah Smith and her partner, junior Joseph Bearden, made it to the varsity octa-finals. This is the second weekend in a row that Smith and Bearden have cleared to the elimination rounds of a Tournament of Champions competition.  Sophomores Krystal Funes and Evelyn Gonzalez also had wins against varsity competition. Higgins, the team's only senior, was named the tournament's third best individual speaker.
   Calhoun Middle students Kate Leggett and Lloyd Bearden also continued their success against high school competition, making it to the final round of the first year division. They were the only 8th graders to advance to the elimination rounds. Thomas Kendrick, also an 8th grader, and his partner, freshman Lauren Bledsoe, had a winning record in the tournament, but did not advance on a narrow tie-breaker.   
   "This is the first time in many years that Calhoun High has qualified a debate team to the Tournament of Champions" said Judge Lane Bearden, who directs the program. Bearden gave credit to CHS Coach Williams, who is in his second year with the team. He also gave thanks to Dr. Michelle Taylor, Principals Wanda Westmoreland and Robert Orfield, and the school faculty and staff for their strong support of academics and the debate program.
   Calhoun Middle School will compete at the State Middle School tournament next weekend at Emory University. The high school teams will compete at the National Forensic League District tournament in late March. They will then finish the year at the national tournament for novices and junior varsity, the National Debate Coach's Association Nationals in April, the Tournament of Champions in May, and the National Forensic League Nationals in June.