Senior Berryman Toler set his gaze across the competitors and recited his speech on the increase in nuclear energy usage. The seven hours of debating legislation every day not only tested Toler’s researching, analytical and speaking skills, but also his stamina. In the 5A class division, Toler was competing against 45 other students in the Inaugural UIL Congressional Debate State Championships.
Having won 3rd place at District, Toler finished 5th at the Student Congress session making him the first student in the school’s history to place at the state tournament.
“The state tournament was full of really strong competition from all over Texas,” Toler said. “With many quality debaters, I’m honored that the judges would consider me in the top 5 of 5A. I’m glad I could represent RHS on such a large stage.”
Toler said competing at state was challenging because hundreds of students were fighting for a chance to make the top six of their division as they debated legislation relating to domestic issues like “A Bill to Privatize NASA” and international issues like “A Resolution Concerning Debt of Third World Countries.”
“I’m excited to see Berryman place 5th among the top debaters in the state,” debate coach Micheal Bolen said. “He definitely demonstrated his skills, especially during his final session, in which Berryman was congratulated by his judges for his use of humor and other devices to wake them up and enliven the session.”
The Student Congress competition this year was the school’s first, and Coach Bolen said that he plans on qualifying more competitors next year and achieving other firsts for the Debate team.
“Berryman’s achievement is definitely one that needs to be replicated next year and it certainly can be especially with the skill of next year’s novices,” Bolen said. “We have a good amount of rising competitors for next year’s Eagle edge Debate team.”