UIL academic team heads to state

Chris Jackson, Annie Freeman, Kelli Blashill and Trisha Gironomi are recognized in the auditorium Friday.

Chelsea Yohn

Chris Jackson, Annie Freeman, Kelli Blashill and Trisha Gironomi are recognized in the auditorium Friday.

Four students who qualified to compete at the state UIL academic meet will depart Monday for Austin.

Seniors Kelli Blashill, Annie Freeman and Trisha Gironimi along with junior Chris Jackson will compete in four different events.

Kelli Blashill will compete in Ready Writing. Ready Writing is defined by the UIL website as:

“Students are given two hours to write expository compositions. They have a choice between two prompts, each an excerpt from literature, publications (past and present) or speeches.”

Annie Freeman will compete in Spelling and Vocabulary. Spelling and Vocabulary is defined by the UIL website as:

“Each year, the UIL Spelling and Vocabulary Contest is based on a different vocabulary list provided by UIL and consists of a three-part test:

  • Part I:  A fifteen minute section of 30 multiple choice questions focused on vocabulary and proofreading, and
  • Part II & III:  The written spelling of 70 words pronounced aloud to contestants.”

Trisha Giromini will compete in Computer Applications. Computer Applications is defined by the UIL website as:

“Computer Applications focuses on word processing speed and accuracy, skill in the use of database and spreadsheet applications, and the integration of all of these.”

Chris Jackson will compete in LD Debate. LD (Lincoln-Douglas) debate is defined by the UIL website as:

“In this one-on-one values debate, students prepare to argue for or against a given resolution. After researching the topic in advance, it will be up to them to make arguments that defend their point of view and debunk invalid claims from their opponent.”

Coaches for the events are:

Tammi Fritz- Ready Writing

Dawn Welch- Computer Applications

Darby Norman- Spelling and Vocabulary

Lacy Venhaus- UIL coordinator, LD Debate

Members of the student body gathered in the auditorium during activity period Friday for the send-off.