Continuing a tradition of UIL excellence, Longview will send debaters to state competition in Austin next week.
Debate team members Carrie Gilliland, Maddie Johnson, Hunter Masten, Brandon Hernandez, and Autumn Gauthier participated in the Region VII competition at John Tyler High last month. Carrie Gilliland was awarded third place, with Maddie Johnson medaled as sixth place. Gilliland will advance to state, with Johnson serving as alternate.
District UIL Academic Coordinator Jeannine Brandon praised her students, many of whom were participating in debate for the first time.
'To see how much they've grown in such a short time, to see how hard they've worked — all while keeping up with their regular classwork — it's really inspiring,' she said.
Brandon also highlighted the diligience of LHS debate coach is Brittani Rogers and high school UIL coordinator is Pam Mercer McWilliams.
'Our UIL coaches, sponsors, and volunteers go above and beyond on a regular basis,' she said. 'I can't say enough about the time and energy they put in for these young people.'
The state meet will be held Jan. 9-11 at the University of Texas in Austin, with the final session being held in the Texas State Capitol.
