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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
THE UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE

Q&A with New Current Issues and Events State Director

By Andrea Negri | Friday, November 07, 2008 10:14 AM

 Tom Ray from Hays High School is the new Current Issues and Events State Contest Director this year. Last year, former director Bobby Hawthorne retired from the event.
The following is a brief question and answer with the new director:

How long have you been involved with the UIL and at what capacity?
In high school, I joined the UIL debate team as a freshman in 1983 and was involved all 4 years. I advanced to State in cross examination debate my junior and senior years and placed 3rd in 1986 and 2nd in 1987. I judged the CX State meet for years as a paid judge until I took a Speech and Debate coaching
position at Jack C. Hays HS in the fall of 1993. My teams won district each year I coached, and one of our teams won state in 1997. I then became just a teacher for about five years. I became the Academic Coordinator for Hays in 2006.

What are your plans for the CI&E contest?
My plan this year is to continue to balance foreign and domestic news as well as major Texas news and personalities. In the long term, I hope to move to more international events and personalities. The Internet and electronic library databases really level the playing field and make this contests so interesting. I am looking forward to visiting with the coaches and coordinators around the state and getting their input as well.

How do you feel about taking over this contest?
First, let me say that I am honored to be replacing a legend like Bobby Hawthorne. He has given so much to the students in Texas through teaching and UIL. I admit that I am a little nervous about following Bobby, but I am confident that I will be able to rise to the challenge and meet his standard
of excellence.

Why did you take on the position of state director of CI&E?
I was looking for a new challenge in my life, and this opportunity came up. As I stated before, I am excited at the challenges this events provides. This is such a dynamic and unique event and it requires constant attention during the school year.

What is your advice to coaches and students preparing for the upcoming contest season?
First and foremost, prepare. Stay up on your reading and analysis of the events. Secondly, practice the writing. The essay makes such a huge difference and many students have never had to write under pressure and time constraints. Finally, help students with your analysis. Realize what amazing
times we are living in, by November we will either have an African-American President or a woman Vice President. Help your students realize how historic these events truly are by giving them some perspective.

What is your current position at Hays ISD?
I am currently in my 15th year at Jack C. Hays HS — the last seven as a social studies teacher. Before that I was one of the speech and debate coaches for eight years. I currently teach Pre-AP World History as well as World History CWC.

How has UIL influenced your life?
UIL competition has dramatically impacted my life. I was one of the smart non-athletic kids that did not have a "home" at our school. I quickly found one on the debate team and as I competed, my confidence grew exponentially. The success I had in UIL competition provided me an avenue to
distinguish myself in high school and opened doors for me to debate in college. As an educator, it has provided a vehicle for me to teach life lessons to my students about how to win and more importantly how to lose. The pride and confidence that I acquired through my participation in UIL debate was
immeasurable.

How do you think UIL influences the lives of students?
I know that UIL opens doors to all different types of student as it provides a forum for them to gain confidence in themselves in whatever event(s) they compete in. It provides them an opportunity to test themselves against the best in the state and to see how hard work and dedication pays off.
Maybe more importantly, it allows them the opportunity to build assets with their coach and community. The time they spend with their coach preparing and traveling to the events are huge. The pride they feel when they see their picture in the paper and the adults at the grocery store congratulate
them is immeasurable. The studies conclusively prove that students involved in extracurricular activities are more successful in life are clear. UIL competition is an investment in the future of Texas and the United States.