The UIL team ranked first overall at regionals in Commerce, Texas.  The Accounting, Calculator Applications, Mathematics, Number Sense, and Science teams took first place in their events and earned a trip to the state meet. Again and again, the UIL academics teams continue to dominate at competitions, especially this year’s regionals.

The accounting team blew out the competition with 1225 combined points from Matthew McKeever, who won first individually (414), seniors Hayden Little (408), Claire Betzhold (403), and junior Preston List (365).

“It was awesome to dominate at region,” Little said. “It made me a little nervous that our scores were close to our rival’s, Abilene Wylie, but still ecstatic to compete and ultimately take home another state championship.”

The Calculator Applications team also finished in first place with a combined team score of 758 points.  Senior Cooper Rodgers, who placed first overall, led the way with 266 along with, Rhiannon Mohar (259), Arya Monticino (224), and junior Travis Koczo (233) to finish out the day.

“I was happy that our team’s hard work paid off at region,” Koczo said. “We are going to ride the momentum we got in region in both math and calculator competitions to state, and bring back some gold trophies.”

The science participants placed first with a score of 446 points. Hugh Devine came in first (174), Samantha Rider third (146), Sarah Llewellyn fourth (126), and Zach Schermerhorn fifth with 94 points.

“When I found out that we advanced to state I was excited,” Devine said. “I was disappointed with my personal results for the science competition, but you can always improve to get better.  Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to state, and hopefully I will regain all my confidence by then.”

In addition to five teams advancing to the state competition, many individuals ticketed their way to state as well. Advancing students included Hayden Little (2nd in Computer Applications), Carleigh Klusman (2nd in Literary Criticism), Sarah Llewellyn (3rd in Ready Writing and 2nd in Physics), Hugh Devine (1st in Chemistry), and Samantha Rider (2nd in Chemistry).

“My two second place finishes will make me work just as hard in order to prepare for state,” Little said. “As a result of that preparation, I hope to take home some gold when we travel to Austin.”

As much preparation as the students put into the UIL competitions, the teachers of each team contribute greatly to the annual success of academics.

“Our teacher, Mr. McCurdy, is always answering our questions and pushing us to be better at our events,” Koczo said. “Without the correct teaching from Mr. McCurdy and Mr. Perkins, the math team, and the spirit of the entire academic teams overall, would only be a fraction as good as it is today.”

State competitions will take place May 25-28 as Argyle will attempt to take home yet another academic UIL championship.