In the inaugural UIL Student Congress meet, Richardson debaters placed in the top quarter, with senior Berryman Toler qualifying for the State competition next January.
The tournament, which was hosted by Mabank High School, included competitors from all across the region. In the 5A class division, three Richardson debaters were competing against other 25 students.
Berryman managed to finish third in the Student Congress session, qualifying for state. Toler is the first debater in the school’s history to make it to state in this session.
“I finally got to achieve one of my goals when I first started debate as a freshmen – making it to UIL state,” senior Berryman Toler said. “I had no idea it would be in student congress.”
Senior Samuel Nohra and sophomore Jacob Redmon also competed but fell short of the top three spots for State. Nohra finished 5th, taking the second alternative position, while Redmon finished in 8th place.
Plano Senior High School qualified the first and second place students.
“It was an enjoyable experience,” Redmon said. “My goal next year is to make it to state.”
The Student Congress competition this year was the first for RHS, and the team says they plan to qualify more competitors next year as Toler prepares for State.