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Recently, two Bellwood-Antis students made their mark in the forensics world.

Last weekend freshman Haley Campbell and sophomore Sam Gormont went to the National Catholic Forensics League Championship in Washington D.C. and while they did not win each had a satisfying performance.

Haley advanced to the second day of competition while Sam was able to present a pair of bills on Student Congress.

Haley was there for her category of Declamation and made it to semi-final round of judging, competing on on Day 2, which was Sunday. Haley was the District 6 speech champion in Declamation in February after winning all of her meets during the regular season.

“I’m happy with how I did,” she said. “There were more than 300 people competing in my category, and I made it to Sunday, which was the top 48.”

It was an amazing season for a ninth grader who didn’t know what her category was all about until this year.

“Mrs. (Kathy) Taylor recommended that I do declamation and I’m glad i did it. I came into the year and didn’t know what declamation meant,” said Haley.

Sam, competing as a District champion in Student Congress, was able to speak on two bills, but did not advance onto the second day.

“Not only did I learn something, but I had a lot of fun,” said Sam. “I learned the things I will need to improve on for next year, like responding better to questioning, and to come up with my own questions to answer beforehand.”

Civics teacher and Student Congress adviser Mr. Matthew McNaul was proud.

“Sam did a great job even though he did not make it onto the second day.’