The McIntosh Speech and Debate team placed at the first and second year state championships at Houston County High School Feb. 11 and 12. The Georgia Forensics Coaches Association (GFCA) hosts this annual championship to qualifying debaters who have debated only one or two years in high school. To qualify, competitors must attend at least two local tournaments in the GFCA circuit.

McIntosh debaters placed in elimination rounds and won speaker awards. First year teams comprised of sophomores Jack Bragg and Yuheon Lee placed octofinalist and juniors Taylor Brooks and Ryan Hartman earned quarterfinalist. Ryan Hartman earned the second place speaker award out of all first year Georgia debaters. Second year debater sophomore Afra Abdul earned tenth place speaker out of all second year debaters. Taylor Brooks said, “I am grateful for such a great partner as Ryan and look forward to a successful second year of debate with him.”