OHS Academic Teams Shine at State UIL
Olney High School students capped off another strong academic season with top finishes at the University Interscholastic League state contests in Austin earlier this month, bringing home medals in mathematics, calculator applications and persuasive speaking while competing against the best 2A schools in Texas.
The OHS Math team of Sophie Roach, Darla Castillo, Adrian Gonzalez and Jeffry Flores took second place overall at the UIL State Academic Meet held beginning May 8 in Austin. Coached by Dr. Greg Roach, the team scored 432 total points to finish behind state champion Three Rivers.
The OHS Calculator Applications team also placed among the state’s elite, earning third place with 658 points behind Three Rivers and Sabine Pass. Team members included Sophie Roach, Darla Castillo, Braelyn Casteel and Jeffry Flores. Mr. Flores also earned fourth place individually in the calculator applications contest.
Olney also was well represented in speech and theater competitions.
Class of 2026 graduate Sawyer Edgington finished fifth in the state in persuasive speaking after advancing to the finals round of competition. Fellow students Morgan Simmons, Class of 2026 valedictorian, and Maddox Johnson also competed among the top 12 speakers in Texas, while Cheyanne Burger represented OHS in theatrical design.
In Facebook posts, debate coach Lannie Caffey praised the students for their dedication and poise at the state level.
“They arrived among the top 12 speakers in the state. Unfortunately, Morgan and Maddox didn’t advance, but they still gave amazing speeches.”
“Sawyer ended his persuasive speaking career fifth in the state,” she said. “Sawyer is an excellent speaker and debater, and OHS Debate is stronger because of him. He has, once again, made OHS proud.”
Ms. Caffey also praised Ms. Simmons and Mr. Edgington for their four years of leadership in the debate program.
“OHS debate has been incredibly fortunate to have Morgan and Sawyer for four years,” she said.
In theatrical design, Ms. Burger competed in costume design using this year’s UIL production prompt, “The King Stag.”
Teacher Kayle Danae said Ms. Burger’s work stood out for its creativity and attention to detail.
“She put so much time, creativity and thought into every detail of her designs, and it has been so fun watching her ideas come to life throughout this process,” Ms. Danae said.