District News

OCHS CX Debate Students Qualify For State

Image depicting OCHS CX Debate Students Qualify For State

ORE CITY -- Four Ore City High School students will be competing in the 2022-2023 University Interscholastic League State Cross-Examination Debate Meet next month after qualifying for the state meet in January.

Sophomore Amir Sultan and senior Layne Morris earned first place and were the District 21-2A champions at the district meet held at New Hope Baptist Church in Ore City on Jan. 26. Freshman Sadie Bonnette and sophomore Makayla Knapp finished in second place to earn their spot at the state meet.

The UIL State Cross-Examination Debate Meet is scheduled for March 13-18.

“UIL debate competition motivates students and provides them with practical application for the skills they are developing,” said Jana Riggins, UIL State Debate Director. “This year’s debate topic prompted students to research and form their own thoughts and opinions on the real-world issue our government is challenged with: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its security cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity.”

Through participation at the UIL Cross-Examination State Meet, students who advance to the debate elimination rounds qualify for Texas Interscholastic League Foundation scholarships.

Since its inception in 1959, the TILF has provided more than $35 million to more than 21,000 students. Amounts of scholarships range from $500 for one year to $20,000 over four years. This year TILF will disperse more than $1 million to more than 600 students.

The TILF has over $11 million in endowed funds and receives direct scholarship grants each year of more than $800,000 from foundations, individuals, and corporate sponsors throughout the state.

Ore City High School Debate coach is Mr. Kenneth Adcock.