Congratulations. . .

North Lamar High School senior Mackenzie Beckmon has been named Academic All-American for the National Speech and Debate Association.

“Requirements for this award are strenuous,” said Speech and Debate coach Kristi Hodgkiss.

Recipients of the award must have a 3.7 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), score a 27 or higher on the ACT or a 2000 or higher on the SAT, and have a degree of superior distinction in the NSDA (which requires 750 points).

“Winning a debate round is worth six points, so it takes a while to get there (750 points),” said Hodgkiss.  “Mackenzie holds a degree of premier distinction, with 1,021 points, which is especially impressive given that she did not start debate until she was a sophomore.”

Mackenzie is only the fourth student in North Lamar’s history to receive this prestigious award.  While at NLHS, Mackenzie has qualified for region three times in UIL.  She qualified for the Texas Forensics Association State Tournament this year, and has qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament twice.