Page 11 of 51 pages ‹ First < 9 10 11 12 13 > Last ›
Adviser Speaks Up for Journalism Classes
By Jeanne Acton, Journalism Director | Monday, February 24, 2014 1:22 PM
Sometimes I think I may be the luckiest person in the world with my job. I work with amazing, flexible, intelligent, passionate teachers. I have the privilege of interacting, and sometimes even teaching, some of the brightest young journalists in the U.S. And every once in a while, I even have time at my job to brag about some of our dedicated colleagues.
It’s time for bragging.
Several years ago, Andrea Negri interned with me here at the League. She was dependable, knowledgeable and driven. The perfect intern. After graduating, Andrea made the leap into the world of advising high school journalism, and quite quickly, started to develop an impressive resume.
Since walking into her job at Alief Hastings High School five years ago, Andrea has taken students to the UIL State Meet, attended state and national conventions, become an active member of TAJE (Texas Association of Journalism Educators), judged for UIL and ILPC, run several district meets, assisted with a regional UIL meet, motivated her students to produce solid publications and the list goes on.
TILF Scholar, Former Academic State Competitor Takes on New Role in UIL
By Jan Ross Piedad, UIL intern | Monday, February 24, 2014 1:10 PM
Michael Donaldson's passion for UIL started in elementary school and continued throughout his years in public school. After competing in more than four events at the state level in high school and receiving a TILF scholarship, Michael is now an intern for the academic department.
Photo by Jan Ross Piedad
Sitting nervously in a second round of internship interviews last summer, incoming freshman Michael Donaldson attempted to describe his philosophy about the University Interscholastic League.
“UIL is a bridge to success for students,” he said, “And the people who lead them are the lights, but there are pillars—that’s what holds up the bridge—and those are the people you don’t know about. Those are the interns.”
Those words got him the job, and now Michael is one of those pillars, a strong support for the organization’s success.
Former UIL Music Director Wins ‘Oscar’ of the Band World
By Jamie Oberg, UIL Intern | Monday, February 24, 2014 1:08 PM
Even though former UIL Music Director Richard Floyd officially retired last year, his resume and list of awards continues to expand.
Floyd is a recipient of the National Band Association’s 2013 Academy of Wind and Percussion Arts Award (AWAPA). The nine-inch silver AWAPA award is considered to be the “Oscar” of the band world.
"Knowing personally many of the musical icons who have received the AWAPA Award in the past, I will have to say that I was emotionally stunned to learn I had been so honored,” Floyd said. “I have never considered what I do to be 'award worthy.’ I simply have tried every day to be a ‘positive force’ in the professional world in which I live and work. My goal remains to make the best music I know how and to make a difference in the lives of the students and colleagues around me."
17 Awarded Sponsor Excellence Awards
By Kate Y. Hector, Media Coordinator | Monday, February 24, 2014 1:03 PM
The University Interscholastic League is proud to recognize 17 of the best UIL sponsors in Texas as the 2013 UIL Sponsor Excellence Award winners.
A panel of judges in the areas of academics, athletics and music selected the winners from nominations submitted by school principals and superintendents across the state.
The award, now in its 23rd year, was created to identify and recognize outstanding sponsors who enable students to develop and refine their extracurricular talents to the highest degree possible within the educational system.
“The merits of interscholastic competition and student performance can only be achieved through the hard work and dedication of sponsors, coaches and directors like these,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “On behalf of the UIL, I commend these outstanding educators.”
First State Congress Meet Held in January
By Jamie Oberg, UIL Intern | Monday, February 24, 2014 12:41 PM
Jose Guardiola from Gregory-Portland High School addresses the current issue during finals at State Congress. The finals were held at the Texas State Capitol.
Photo by Jeanne Acton
This January, UIL hosted the inaugural championship for Congress, a pilot program within the speech and debate umbrella. The preliminary rounds took place at the University of Texas at Austin and the final round took place in the Texas Capitol building.
Congress models the legislative process of democracy, specifically, the United States Congress. Within this mock legislative assembly competition, contestants draft legislation (proposed laws and position statements) submitted to the tournament, and they research the docket of bills and resolutions dealing with real-world social and political policies prior to the contest to prepare their speeches. At the tournament, students caucus in committees, deliver formal discourse on the merits and disadvantages of each piece of legislation and vote to pass or defeat the measures they have examined. Parliamentary procedure forms structure for the discourse, and students extemporaneously respond to others’ arguments over the course of a session.
Leander ISD Makes History at State Marching Band Contest
By Mervin Malone, UIL assistant | Tuesday, December 10, 2013 10:02 AM
4A Conference Champion Vandergrift High School
Photo by Photo courtesy of Jolesch Enterprises
UIL music history was made this year at the State Marching Band Contest when the Leander Independent School District became the first Texas school district to take the top three spots in the 4A division.
Vandergrift High School won the title of Conference 4A State Champion title. Cedar Park High School, the reigning 4A State Champion, won second place, and Vista Ridge High School brought home third place.
“This accomplishment would not have been possible until about 12 years ago because UIL marching band advancement procedures did not allow for more than two bands from any Area Marching Contest to advance to State ” Dr. Bradley Kent, UIL music director, said.
Dr. Dan Troxell to Serve as Legislative Council Chair
By Kate Y. Hector, Media Coordinator | Tuesday, December 10, 2013 9:58 AM
Dr. Dan Troxell presents the Academic Committee proposals to the full Legislative Council at the annual meeting in October.
Photo by Jeanne Acton
Dr. Dan Troxell, superintendent of Kerrville Independent School District, was elected the University Interscholastic League Legislative Council chair for the 2013-14 school year.
The UIL has been a part of Dr. Troxell’s life since high school. As a student-athlete at Round Rock High School, he competed in football and basketball.
“The most important thing I learned is the importance of team work and teammates,” Troxell said.
Gear Up for the Academic Race and the Changes Ahead
By Dr. David Stevens, Academic Director | Tuesday, December 10, 2013 9:40 AM
On your marks. Get set. Go.
The bustle of the holiday season, the anticipation of a long holiday break and the spring meet competition season are upon us. They always arrive quicker than anticipated. Below are some details to help prepare for this race and upcoming changes that are being considered.
Enjoy the taper. This is the decreased running before a race that allows your body to recuperate, rebuild and be fresh for race day. The holiday break is a perfect time for that. Non-stop training and full preparations will soon begin.
Busy Fall Leads into Even Busier Spring as Student Congress Comes to State
By Jana Riggins, Speech and Debate Director | Tuesday, December 10, 2013 9:30 AM
Students preparing to participate in Student Congress take their oath of office from District Clerk Cheryl Potts — Education Service Center 10.
This has been an exciting fall with new prose and poetry categories, Super Conferences and a brand new pilot contest, Congress! There’s not a single moment of downtime as we challenge students with new experiences and to greater heights in our annual events. All of these opportunities develop the critical skill of communicating.
The skills that students learn through speech and the personal attributes young people develop through instruction in communication theory prepare them like no other opportunity. Regardless of the journey they choose professionally, they need communication skills to be successful. Regardless of their cultural background, educational training or environment, being adept at communicating with others one-on-one, in small groups and in corporate teams is essential. All humans are engaged in relationships on different levels. To be successful in those relationships, knowing how to communicate is the ultimate skill for a progressive and happy life.
The New 6A Conference and Music
By Dr. Brad Kent, Director of Music | Tuesday, December 03, 2013 2:14 PM
How will the new 6A conference alignment impact music? I thought it might be helpful to issue some basic information to address questions that may arise relating to this change.