Some UIL academic students placed high last weekend at the Hays UIL Invitational. For debate, senior Gage Spencer went undefeated in preliminary rounds, and went on to debate in the octofinals.

“Gage has consistently performed well in LD Debate at tournaments this school year, as well as our Speech & Debate team,” debate coach Mr. Terry Hunt said. “Brianna Townsend and Gage advanced to final rounds at the last two UIL Invitationals and each lost to the eventual winner of the tournament. We are excited about our successes this year, and we are looking forward to building on that success with our up and coming debaters and speakers.”

For journalism, senior Natalie Ditsler placed fifth in News Writing, and senior Jack Densmore placed third in feature writing. 

“At least once a week I would stay after school and practice with old prompts,” Ditsler said. “If I hadn’t done that I don’t think I would have placed at all.”

For the journalism students, they will be competing in an unofficial UIL practice with journalism students across the district, but for everyone the next challenge is district, which will take place on April 2 at Georgetown High School.

“I will be participating in News Writing again, because I believe I can do better,” Ditsler said. “Hopefully I can place higher at district.”