6-20-08

Cary Academy Comes Up Big at Desert Lights Nationals

Cary Academy had its best showing ever at the National Forensic League National Tournament in Las Vegas during the week of  June 15-21. Arjun Chandran (08) placed 4th in Lincoln Financial Group Lincoln Douglas Debate out of 220 competitors. He won 10 of 12 ballots during the preliminary rounds and won his first six elimination rounds (five of them on 3-0 decisons) to stand as the last undefeated debater in the tournament's double elimination format. He then lost two very close split decisions to wind up placing 4th. Arjun will receive a $500 scholarship for his performance. Also performing extremely well at the National Tournament were senior John Nelson (08) who placed in the top 60 of International Extemporaneous Speaking, and junior Firoz Jameel (09) who advanced to the 6th round of Extemp Commentary placing in the top 60 of over 450 competitors. Senior Ben Goldhaber (08) just missed clearing in US Extemporaneous Speaking.