First and second year McIntosh debaters are preparing for the first and second year state championships before the tournament at Houston County High School Feb. 11-12. To compete, debaters must attend at least two local tournaments and be a first or second year debater. To prepare, public forum debaters write position papers on the affirmative and negative sides of the topic “Resolved: The United States should lift its embargo against Cuba.”

Sophomore and second year debater Kate Cullen prepared for the tournament by learning about Cuban and American trade and economics. Kate said, “With enough preparation, I think this can be one of my partner Katie and my best tournaments yet.”