2025 8th Grade Forum

35th Edition of the Carlisle Middle School 8th Grade Forum

Forum 2025

Carlisle Middle School proudly celebrates the successful completion of its 35th annual 8th Grade Forum, a time-honored tradition that represents a major milestone in students’ academic journeys. Held from Wednesday, March 5, to Friday, March 7, this three-day event challenges students to engage in in-depth research, critical analysis, and public speaking.

Originally founded in 1990 by Mrs. Linda Gibson in collaboration with the late Mrs. Peggy Ford, the Forum has become a rite of passage for Carlisle’s eighth graders. It provides them with a structured opportunity to explore significant contemporary and historical topics, fostering essential skills in research, writing, and oral presentation.

Throughout the process, students refine their ability to analyze primary and secondary sources, evaluate different perspectives, and articulate their findings effectively. Guided by the History and English departments, they complete a rigorous multi-draft research paper before delivering their final presentations to a panel of faculty and community members.

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Below are some of the topics explored during this year’s Forum:

Wednesday Thursday Friday
  • WWI/Versailles Treaty- Jiwoo Yang
  • Aircraft in WWI- Sam Muehleck
  • Women in WWI- Ava Burton
  • Computers- Caden Spencer
  • Cyber Privacy- Harris Vaughn
  • Artificial Intelligence- Rider Cobb
  • Woman Suffrage- Harmon McClain
  • Pioneer Women- Cedar Wade
  • Civil War/Clara Barton- Jayden Holley
  • Marshall Plan- Blake Parsons
  • Webb Telescope- Elliot Stowe
  • Cold War Hockey- Micah Russell
  • Commercial Fishing- Tom Zagol
  • Recreational Fishing- Fielding Bowles
  • National Parks- Jaiden Seay
  • Theme Parks- Andrew Heath
  • Sports Injuries- Jack Kirby
  • College Athletes Pay- Mason Wood
  • Residential Facilities- Karter Hairston
  • Ultra Processed Food- Georgia Sobacki
  • Appalachian Blues- Kendrik Hairston
  • Drama in School- Janie Lacy
  • Daniel Boone- Alex Jones
  • Francis Marion- Eli Rierson
  • Audie Murphy- Adam Curtis
  • Renewable Energy- Elizabeth Leonard
  • NAFTA- Maryam Dhabaan

Carlisle Middle School extends its heartfelt appreciation to the teachers, parents, panelists, and community members whose support ensures the continued success of the 8th Grade Forum. Their dedication helps shape students into thoughtful researchers, confident speakers, and lifelong learners.