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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.
Let’s Grow Our Program to Allow All Students to “Take on Life”
By Luis Muñoz, Theatre Director | Friday, December 13, 2013 1:16 PM
At this festive season of the year, I know that many of you are looking for that perfect “play for all seasons” that will be the very best production in the history of OAP. I urge you to get ALL of your students involved in your theater program. Diversity extends far beyond color and reaches into the every facet of our student body. The character of Artie Abrams (featured on the television show “Glee”) has sparked discussions among actors and audiences alike. I would like to ask, “As directors, are we meeting the needs of all of our students?”
In the last few years, more directors have involved exceptional students in their programs. Last year I saw students on crutches, with wheelchairs, using interpreters and with limited or no vision on stage.
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.
Excitement Grows as First Congress Competition Nears
By Jana Riggins, Speech and Debate Director | Wednesday, November 27, 2013 9:51 AM
This has been an exciting fall with new prose and poetry categories, SuperConferences 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.
A Successful Marching Band Season Leads Us into Concert Season
By Dr. Brad Kent, Director of Music | Wednesday, November 27, 2013 9:38 AM
Now that the competitive marching band season has concluded and we are transitioning into concert season, please allow me to share some thoughts with you. First of all, I would like to thank all of the students, directors, administrators, and parents who play such an important role in the success of our programs in Texas. Your passion and commitment to excellence is truly remarkable!
The 2013 marching band season culminated by showcasing some of Texas’ very best bands at the State Marching Band Contest on Nov. 4 and 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The level of performance and achievement by these bands embodied the exemplary standard for which arts education in Texas is known. Please join me in congratulating our 2013 State Champion Marching Bands:
A – Shiner High School, Stephen Krupicka, Director
AA – Whitesboro High School, Jim Cude, Director
AAAA – Vandegrift High School, Jeremy Spicer, Director
UIL Online Store Up and Running
By Jeanne Acton, Journalism Director | Tuesday, October 22, 2013 2:18 PM
Shopping at UIL just got a whole lot easier. No more faxes or filling out paper forms to get what you need.
This month UIL re-launched its online store with additional materials and more purchasing options.
“Our goal was to create a store that was in line with what a customer would expect of online shopping,” Technology Director Kelly McCollum said.