March 20, 2023 - Shelbyville seniors Ava Silva and Aubree Camp placed second in the State U.I.L. cross-examination debate tournament held March 13-14 in Austin, TX.
In cross-examination debate, students must be able to effectively affirm and negate a topic resolution. For 2022-2023, the topic is 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.
Ava and Aubree competed in eight rounds totaling 12 hours of debate over the two-day tournament. Both girls also received individual awards. Gavel awards are the most prestigious individual award for cross-examination debaters.
Aubree Camp was presented the bronze gavel for being the third-highest speaker on the first day of the tournament and Ava Silva was awarded the golden gavel for earning the highest speaking points in the state.
Shelbyville's speech and debate is coached by Emily Sowell and Crystal Harrison.