OHS students compete at State Congress meet

The Olney Debate Team, led by Lani Caffey brought Allie Barrington (senior), Morgan Simmons (sophomore), and Ava Stewart (freshman) to Austin, where Simmons placed 1st, Barrington 2nd, and Stewart 3rd.

This is the first year Olney has advanced three students to the State Congress meet in Austin.

The three girls competed Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the UT Austin campus against 45 other 2A students.

Barrington placed 2nd in her room, while Simmons placed 5th, qualifying the two girls to move on to Super Congress, otherwise known as the final rounds.

The freshman, Stewart, was one rank away from advancing.

This was the first time Olney advanced two debaters into Super Congress.

Simmons and Barrington showed bountiful competitive spirit but did not place in the top six.

Despite missing the top rankings, Barrington and Simmons nevertheless finished in the top 18 for the UIL Congress in Texas.