From Left to Right: Nathali Abella-Hernandez and Kaylee Cox
February 14, 2023 - Center High School has qualified two students for the 2022-23 University Interscholastic League State Cross-Examination Debate Meet to be held March 17-18 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Nathali Abella-Hernandez and Kaylee Cox qualified for the state meet after earning the District Champion title at the UIL Cross-Examination District Meet held at Stephen F. Austin State University on February 8. This will be the second time the pair participates at the state level.
“UIL debate competition motivates students and provides them with practical application for the skills they are developing,” UIL State Debate Director Jana Riggins said. “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 participation at 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 disperse 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.
