Yesterday, the debate team competed at the UIL Region Congressional Debate contest. The results are as follows:

1st- Caleb Leonard

2nd- Jennifer Ochoa

3rd- Srimaan Kolanakuduru

Outstanding Presiding Officer- Jennifer Ochoa

The team was named the 5A Team Champions taking all three qualifying spots in conference 5A.

“This was much harder competition than we are used to and they absolutely rocked it,” head coach Jessica Reynolds said.

Students persevered through prelims and a “wild” final round to win the championship.

“It’s pretty awesome,” Kolanakuduru said. “We were not expecting this, but it was really so cool.”

These students will compete at the state meet in Austin in early January, and it will be the team’s first time competing in 5A.

“We are pretty surprised that we have the opportunity for all of us to make it,” Ochoa said. “It’s definitely going to be a lot harder than it was last year.”

Outside of the team’s competition results, Ochoa says participating in debate will help students improve their work ethic and better prepare for their futures.

“Debate allows you to [gain] leadership abilities,” Ochoa said. “But you also get regular critical thinking skills and research skills that you develop as time goes on. And I think that’s something that is very beneficial when you’re older in life.”