Four OHS debate students advance to State

Olney High School qualified two teams and four students for the 2022-2023 University Interscholastic League State Cross-Examination Debate meet to be held March 13-16 at the University of Texas at Austin. OHS qualifiers include Adelade Edgington and Allie Barrington, who won first place at the District Cross-Examination Meet, and Rodolfo Arce and Aidyn Bitner, who won second place at District.

“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 participating in 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 disburse 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.