By Mubarrat Choudhury
Richardson recently competed at the district UIL Speech, Computer Science and Academics tournament and advanced 13 students to regionals. The competition spanned three days – speech on Thursday, computer science on Friday and academics on Saturday.
“This year, we qualified a lot of students in both academics and speech events, and I hope we continue that streak to State,” senior Prescott Osuchukwu said.
In current events, Colin Hardage placed first, senior Zulqarnain Sourathia second, Tucker Smith third and junior Faysal Anis fifth. Senior Nanette Elufa placed third in both literary criticism and ready writing.
In science, students had two hours to answer 60 questions equally divided between biology, chemistry and physics. Senior Kathan Trivedi placed sixth.
“Although the competition may be intense, there are numerous opportunities to learn,” Trevedi said. “The preparation for the competition is tedious. However, there is no greater feeling than being rewarded and observing the hard work paying off as you place in the competition.”
The Richardson Speech and Debate team took sweepstakes and qualified 11 students for regionals. The team placed first, second and third in nearly all speech events.
Senior Berryman Toler placed first in persuasive speaking, while sophomore Jacob Redmon placed second, and Tucker Smith third. In informative speaking, Osuchukwu placed first, Sam Nohra 2nd and Colin Hardage third.
“It always feels good knowing that I contributed to something big. Winning 1st in both of my events is just the icing on the cake,” Osuchukwu said.
In poetry Interpretation, Elufa placed first, sophomore Elizabeth Kraemer second and senior Xavier Burns third, while Osmin Antonio placed first, Hamail Saleem second and senior Zain Walker fourth in prose interpretation. In the Lincoln-Douglas debate, Osuchukwu placed first, Nohra second and junior Mubarrat Choudhury fourth.
“This is my third year in a row qualifying for Regionals in Lincoln Douglas debate,” Osuchukwu said. “I knew how my competition would be and I was prepared to beat them. I’m ready to compete at Baylor for Regionals and hopefully move on to State in Austin.”
Debate coach Michael Bolen said he hopes that many students will qualify for the state competition in Austin after they compete at Baylor University.
“Every year we get a little better and better,” Bolen said. “I’m excited how well we did and I couldn’t hope for much more, especially on the speech side. Our region is the most competitive in the state, so it’ll be tough overcoming this hurdle, and when we do, state should go well.”