March 20, 2023
BHS Senior Debate Team duo medal at state, prepare for district meets
Over spring break, Bandera High School Senior Debate Team members Katelyn Mendez and Elijah Sarazua competed at two state contests.
At the TFA State meet, Katelyn and Elijah competed against 64 other Policy Debate teams from primarily large schools, private schools and magnet schools. After two long days of preliminary rounds, Katelyn and Elijah earned a 3 and 3 win/loss record.
Next, at the UIL State meet, Katelyn and Elijah earned a 3 and 1 win/loss record by the end of 4 preliminary rounds, advancing them to octofinals. Out of 32 teams in conference 4A, Katelyn and Elijah medaled as top 16 finalists. This team also competed at UIL State last year, but this is their first time to compete on the TFA circuit and their first TFA state bid.
This week, Elijah will also compete in Extemporaneous Speaking at the Academic District meet. Then, in April, they will compete in Policy Debate at the NSDA district meet, which is a national qualifying tournament. If they advance from that meet, they will compete at Nationals in Phoenix in June.
This four-year team has put in countless hours of preparation and competes most Saturdays between August and May in order to prepare for these state contests. Their dedication and commitment to success is a credit to BHS.
Congratulations to these Bulldogs!
At the TFA State meet, Katelyn and Elijah competed against 64 other Policy Debate teams from primarily large schools, private schools and magnet schools. After two long days of preliminary rounds, Katelyn and Elijah earned a 3 and 3 win/loss record.
Next, at the UIL State meet, Katelyn and Elijah earned a 3 and 1 win/loss record by the end of 4 preliminary rounds, advancing them to octofinals. Out of 32 teams in conference 4A, Katelyn and Elijah medaled as top 16 finalists. This team also competed at UIL State last year, but this is their first time to compete on the TFA circuit and their first TFA state bid.
This week, Elijah will also compete in Extemporaneous Speaking at the Academic District meet. Then, in April, they will compete in Policy Debate at the NSDA district meet, which is a national qualifying tournament. If they advance from that meet, they will compete at Nationals in Phoenix in June.
This four-year team has put in countless hours of preparation and competes most Saturdays between August and May in order to prepare for these state contests. Their dedication and commitment to success is a credit to BHS.
Congratulations to these Bulldogs!