AHS debater heads to state once again
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By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator
Following a day of intense competition, Athens High School debate is once again heading to the state stage! Senior Isaac Hoch claimed the championship Monday at the UIL Congressional Debate Regional competition held in Kilgore. The gold medal earned Hoch a place at the state tournament in January. Fellow senior Cooper Rich also had a strong showing, finishing in seventh place as the second state alternate.
In congressional debate, students gain firsthand experience in the legislative process, debating proposed bills in a format that mirrors the workings of Congress. It’s an exciting opportunity for these students to engage in public policy discussions and refine their skills in speaking, analysis and debate.
This latest achievement builds on an extraordinary legacy for the AHS Speech & Debate program. This past March, Hoch and Rich won the UIL 4A Cross Examination (CX) state championship, marking Athens ISD’s fifth CX title in the past decade. Hoch also captured the regional title in Informative Speaking and competed at the UIL State Speech Meet in Austin. Additionally, both students qualified for the NSDA National Tournament in Congressional Debate, where they represented Athens on a national stage. They are coached by speech and debate teacher Will Honea.