On November 2, the Speech and Debate Congress team competed at Region 17 Service Center chamber with both 5-A and 6-A schools. The top three students in each division move on to the State Tournament hosted in January.
The three students who will represent Frenship High School are:
- Elijah Hernandez
- Tatum Cameron
- Jillian Jones
“Everyone did an excellent job, but only three can make it to State,” said Speech and Debate advisor, Heather Byars. “James Franks and Berklee Hudgen will be our alternates to the state competition.”
Congress is a competition that mirrors our own state and national congress. Students take on the role of senators and debate bills and resolutions that have been written by the students themselves. They follow parliamentary procedure led by a presiding officer, who is also a student. Then, they vote on whether the bill should pass. The competition is two three-hour sessions.
“It is incredible what these students are capable of. The level of analysis and argumentation that they use in their debate is quite impressive,” said Byars. “Congress is a fun event to compete in as there is always something happening, someone speaking, or asking questions.”
The UIL State Congress competition is next year in Austin on January 2-4. The students are looking forward to competing against other big schools.
“Now we have to practice and work to take on all the 6-A schools in Texas,” said Byars.
Good luck Speech and Debate Team!